Bandage package and dispenser

ABSTRACT

An element dispensing package suitable for dispensing adhesive strips or bandages. Each element is contained within an envelope formed by opposed upper and lower sheets. The lower sheet has a release liner secured thereto to protect the element while it is within the dispenser. The element is releasably secured to a pull cover and is separated from the lower sheet and release liner when the envelope is opened. The pull cover has one or more gripping means to facilitate dispensing of the element contained within the package. Additionally, the lower sheet and upper sheet have optional gripping means to facilitate dispensing of the element contained within the package.

REFERENCE TO PRIORITY APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 11/184,525, filed on Jul. 19, 2005, and entitled“Bandage Package and Dispenser,” which is a divisional application ofU.S. application Ser. No. 10/190,195, filed on Jul. 6, 2002, andentitled “Bandage Package and Dispenser” now U.S. Pat. No. 6,923,320,all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to packaging and dispensingsystems for elements such as bandages, strips, and the like, and moreparticularly to a single-step dispensing system for the elementstherein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Packaging and dispensing systems for commonly-known adhesive bandagesare known in the art and described below. Adhesive bandages, commonlycalled finger bandages, strip bandages, and first-aid bandages, are wellknown in the prior art. Commercially available adhesive bandages such asthe Band-Aid™ brand bandages are for the most part individuallypackaged. The most widely used packaging means comprises outer wrapperswhich must be stripped apart to remove the bandage. The bandagetypically consists of a backing on which an adhesive layer is applied toone side, and on which a sterile pad suitable for covering wounds iscentrally placed. Two removable liners are placed upon theadhesive-coated side of the backing (or adhesive-backed flexible strip)covering both the pad and the adhesive layer.

Typical prior art adhesive bandages and wrappers require one to open anenvelope or package containing the bandage, remove the bandage, peel offthe removable liners to expose the adhesive layer and pad and then applythe bandage to the body. Such packaging, however, has certaindisadvantages, chief of which are: (a) the possibility of touching thesterile pad before application, which may result in loss of sterility;(b) awkwardness and difficulty in applying the bandage to the body,especially with one hand; (c) having the adhesive surface stick toitself while in the process of applying the bandage to the body, thusrequiring either the removal of the bandage and an additionalapplication attempt or discarding the bandage entirely and starting theentire process over with a new bandage; and (d) having to dispose ofindividual wrapping components, which typically consist of the tworemovable liners and one or two pieces of outer wrapping.

These disadvantages are exacerbated by the conditions under whichbandages are often applied. For example, opening of the package is oftendone under urgent conditions, which increases the likelihood that thebandage will accidentally fall out of the outer wrapper, resulting inloss of sterility of the bandage.

While some prior designs have simplified the process of application ofthe bandage, they have several disadvantages. One such prior artapproach described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,182,449, to Kozlow, entitled“Adhesive bandage and package” discloses a bandage wherein the user isrequired to place his fingers near the sterile pad to remove the lining,thus increasing the likelihood of inadvertently touching andcontaminating the sterile pad.

There have been other attempts to improve the bandage dispensing andapplication process, such as by folding the bandage over itself andproviding for an automatic removal of the liner, as in U.S. Pat. No.5,333,753 to Etheredge, entitled “Finger bandage package and dispenser.”While this design does provide for removal of the bandage and liner, itrequires skill in application, as the opened package is cumbersome andtypically requires the use of both hands during application of thebandage. Additionally, as the package is folded over itself, it isdifficult for the user to determine the size of the bandage containedtherein before the package is opened and the bandage unfolded.

Various adhesive bandage dispensing package systems have been describedthat aid the user in removing the bandage from the package or devicewith a single hand. One such system is described in U.S. Pat. No.5,133,477, to Etheredge, et al., entitled “Package or adhesivedressing,” which discloses an adhesive bandage dispensing packagewherein the adhesive side of the bandage is placed against a continuouscarrier strip. One segment (i.e. the trailing edge of theadhesive-coated side of the bandage) is in direct contact with therelease-coated continuous carrier strip, while the opposite segment(i.e., the leading adhesive segment) is covered by a release sheet whichfacilitates removal of the bandage from the continuous carrier strip,but is not otherwise secured to it.

Disadvantages of this design include bulkiness, the possibility ofjamming caused by the bandages becoming stuck within the outercontaining package as the bandages pass through the slit, andcontamination of the bandage and pad caused by the user's touching thepad during removal of the release liner. Additionally, since the designdoes not enclose each individual bandage within a sealed envelope, thelikelihood that the bandage will become contaminated before use isincreased. Furthermore, the design does not allow for single bandages tobe temporarily stored for application at a later time.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,993,586, to Taulbee, et al., entitled “Adhesive BandageDispensing Device and Associated Method,” discloses an adhesive bandagedispensing system in which an adhesive bandage is placed between anupper and lower continuous strip. The adhesive side of the bandage ismounted facing downward on the continuous strip and has a releasableliner attached to one segment of the adhesive-coated side of thebandage, which facilitates removal of the bandage from the continuousstrip. Additionally, the dispensing system includes a slicer and othercomponents which increase the cost and size of the unit and require oneto become familiar with the operation of the system before use. Otherdisadvantages include the likely contamination of the bandage and padduring the application process, jamming of the unit, and increasedenvironmental waste when the unit is disposed of.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,835,992, to Adams, entitled “Bandage DispensingPackage,” discloses a bandage dispensing system using a continuouscarrier strip that is rolled or folded upon itself. Bandages areattached to the continuous carrier strip by placing the adhesive surfaceof the bandages upon the continuous carrier strip. This design requiresa carrier strip that is made from a material having the desired releasecharacteristics and that is able to form a side seal in order to form asecure packaging element for a multitude of sterile bandages. Therefore,this design suffers from increased cost, non-standardized operationwhich requires the user to become familiar with the operation of thesystem, increased size caused by forming the continuous carrier stripinto a roll, and increased likelihood of contamination if the continuouscarrier strip roll is dropped, as well as an increased likelihood ofcontamination during application.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,891,078, to Turngren, et al., entitled “Sterile AdhesiveBandage and Associated Methods,” discloses a sterile system for deliveryof an adhesive strip or bandage using a single hand. In general, thepatent discloses a flexible strip, at least one pull tab, and anoptional wound pad sandwiched between a carrier member and a releasebacking. The invention may also have an optional blocking member. Theadhesive strip is removed from the release backing and remains attachedto the pull-tab and full-length carrier strip until the last step of theapplication process. Disadvantages of this system include difficulty ofapplication and high manufacturing costs. Moreover, as the full-lengthcarrier member may confuse users during application as to which sidemust be pulled first, it is possible that the user will inadvertentlydestroy the bandage before he has completed the process of applying it.Furthermore, the full carrier member is larger than the adhesive stripand therefore may complicate handling and positioning of the adhesivestrip upon the desired object. In addition, some form of indicia may beneeded to help the user identify the proper sequence of pulling on thetabs. Further, one end of the full-length carrier sheet may becomebonded to the adhesive on the opposite end of the adhesive strip orbandage, which may result in the destruction of the adhesive strip orbandage before application is complete. Furthermore, as an opaquefull-length carrier sheet would conceal the bandage located on itsunderside, the carrier sheet should be made of transparent materials,which may increase manufacturing costs. Another disadvantage resultingfrom the separation of the carrier sheet at an edge (such as the leadingedge) of the adhesive strip is the difficulty in separating the carriersheet and/or the optional blocking member from the adhesive strip orbandage member without separating the adhesive strip or bandage fromapplication surfaces, especially low cohesion surfaces.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,511,689, to Frank, entitled “Dispensing Package forAdhesive-Backed Articles,” discloses an adhesive-backed articledispensing system suitable for dispensing bandages. This design uses asupport layer to remove the article or bandage from the backing layer.The process of applying the article or bandage to the wound, however, iscumbersome because the support layer, which is longer and wider than thebandage itself, remains attached to or dangles from the bandage whilethe bandage is being applied. Thus, when applying the bandage to thewound, especially in difficult-to-reach areas of the fingers or toes,one or both support strips or sheets obscure the user's view of thewound and get in the way as the user attempts to place the bandage onthe wound. Therefore, the user might not precisely place the bandageupon the wound, resulting in further injury when the bandage adhesive(rather than the gauze) is placed on the wound, or contamination of thewound caused by the gauze not being placed directly over the wound.Other disadvantages include the possibility of destruction of thebandage as a result of the user's attempt to remove and reapply amisplaced bandage.

With the advent of so called “thin-film” bandages and wound dressings(also known as “Transparent film dressings”) there has developed a needto provide sufficient rigidity to the adhesive strip or bandage using acarrier strip, also referred to as a carrier member, outer frame,blocking member, frame style carrier or other means, until the bandageis successfully applied to the desired object. The carrier strip alsoprevents the thin-film bandage from stretching excessively when thebandage is removed from the package. One commonly used design to impartrigidity to the thin-film strip or bandage is the partial carrier (orframe-style carrier), which is essentially a ring-like structureremovably attached to the strip. This design is used in commerciallyavailable bandages such as 3M™ NEXCARE™ WATERPROOF BANDAGES. Thisdesign, however, requires that the partial carrier be removed uponapplication of the bandage. Many users, especially those unfamiliar withthe design, tend to pull the carrier strip off the bandage before thebandage is removed from the release liner attached to the lower sheet ofthe package, thus destroying the bandage. Additionally, users often pullthe carrier strip off the bandage at the wrong location, and/or try topull the carrier strip off in the wrong direction, before or afterapplication of the bandage, both of which result in destruction of thebandage. Additionally, this design has the drawback of requiring theuser to pull off the carrier sheet after the bandage is applied to thedesired object.

Another known thin-film type bandage is the commercially available 3M™TEGADERM™ TRANSPARENT DRESSING. This bandage uses a frame style carrierand for the most part is similar to the 3M™ NEXCARE™ bandage. Onesignificant difference is that some TEGADERM™ products have a “window”that must be removed before the bandage is applied to a desired surface.This design has the drawback of requiring the user to pull off the“window” section before the bandage is applied to the desired object.

Another known thin-film bandage is the ADVANCED CURAD™ AQUA-PROTECT™bandage distributed by FUTURO Inc., which uses a full carrier sheetwhich superposes the adhesive strip or bandage. In this bandage, thecarrier sheet is releasably attached to the adhesive strip or bandage sothat it can be removed by pulling on an attached pull tab (also called ablue flap) once the adhesive strip or bandage is applied to the desiredobject. A disadvantage, however, is that many users, especially thoseunfamiliar with the operation of the design, remove the full-lengthcarrier sheet before applying the bandage, resulting in the destructionof the bandage or try to remove the carrier sheet by pulling on a cornerof the bandage thereby inadvertently pulling the bandage off the desiredobject. Moreover, many users, while trying to determine how to removethe carrier sheet, attempt to pull some part of the bandage, but notknowing what or where to pull, they attempt to grasp the pull tab at theinterior edge rather than the exterior edge and not being able to graspit at that point, they give up and do not remove the carrier sheet andtherefore do not benefit from the use of the thin-film materials.

Thus, there is a need for an easy to use one-handed bandage package anddispensing system that is capable of dispensing bandages, adhesivestrips, flexible strips, or other elements from a dispenser that avoidsthe problems and disadvantages of prior art systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a bandage packaging and dispensing systemparticularly suited for dispensing adhesive-backed elements such asbandages and the like. The bandage packages comprise a backing ofsuitable material on one surface of which a pressure-sensitive adhesiveis applied and an optional pad suitable for covering wounds is centrallyplaced. In one embodiment the adhesive-coated surface of the flexiblestrip or bandage is placed in contact with and superimposes a releaseliner. A surface of the release liner is in contact with a lower sheethaving an optional gripping means so as to facilitate opening. Amulti-part top sheet comprised of at least two sheets (an upper sheetand a pull cover) is in contact with the upper surface of the adhesivestrip or bandage. The pull cover is releasably attached to the uppersheet and comprises a gripping means on the exterior end. The interiorend of the pull cover has an optional gripping means. The pull cover andupper sheet combination superposes the lower sheet and is releasablyattached thereto along the outer perimeter of the package formed by thesaid combination and the lower sheet.

One or more optional blocking members are placed along the perimeter ofthe package to equalize the exterior thickness of the package in desiredareas. The blocking member or members are placed at selected locationsor continuously along the perimeter of the package.

The upper sheet and the lower sheet are fixably attached or releasablyattached to each other except at those points where the blocking memberintervenes between them, at which points the upper and/or lower sheetsmay be fixably attached or releasably attached to the blocking member.Moreover, the blocking member may intervene between the pull cover andeither the upper sheet or the lower sheet, in which case the pull coveris releasably attached to the blocking member. Optionally, the uppersheet and the lower sheet are formed integrally from the same sheet ofmaterial.

The strip or bandage is placed in an envelope within the package formedby the pull cover, upper sheet and lower sheet and is releasablyattached to the pull cover.

In alternative embodiments, the package and dispenser is incorporatedinto a larger assembly by attaching the upper sheet or the lower sheetto additional upper sheets or lower sheets, respectively, along theirtransverse ends or lateral ends or both so as to form a continuous sheetpackaging and dispensing mechanism.

In another embodiment a plurality of packages is stacked upon each otherto form a dispensing pack suitable for dispensing a plurality ofelements. Additionally, a box stores a plurality of individual packagesor a containing-pack and dispenses elements such as bandages or flexiblestrips as needed.

The present invention provides a sterile package dispensing mechanismfor flexible strips, bandages or the like which can be easily removedfrom the dispenser with minimal effort and which can be applied with asingle hand thus minimizing the possibility of contaminating theadhesive strip or the absorbent pad or diminishing the adhesiveproperties of the adhesive strip.

An advantage of the present invention is that it simplifies andexpedites the bandage application process by eliminating the need toseparate a release liner from the bandage or adhesive strip once thepackage and dispenser are opened. Furthermore, the present inventionobviates the need to dispose of removed release liners. Moreover, asonly a small segment of the pull cover (and/or the optional carriersheet) remains attached to the bandage during application to the wound,the pull cover does not obscure the user's view of the wound or get inthe way during the application process. This facilitates precise andconvenient one-handed application of the bandage to the wound.Furthermore, the attached pull cover operates as a handle and enhancesthe user's grip on the bandage during application. Thus, use of thepresent invention significantly increases the likelihood of successful,precise application of the bandage.

Additional advantages of the present invention include the incorporationof features that reduce the complexity and cost of manufacturing;providing a system for dispensing a plurality of adhesive strips whereinthe system comprises a minimum number of moving parts. Note that oneskilled in the art can easily adapt the packaging and dispensingmechanism of the present invention to package and dispense numerousitems such as surgical drapes, nasal strips, non-flexible items such asmatches, syringes, microscope slides or slide covers, surgicalinstruments, thermometers, medical testing devices, etc.

There is thus provided in accordance with the present invention abandage package apparatus comprising a lower sheet having an uppersurface and a lower surface, a release liner attached to the lowersheet, an adhesive strip having an upper surface and a lower surface,the lower surface being releasably attached to the release liner, anupper sheet having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper sheetbeing attached to the lower sheet, a pull cover releasably attached tothe adhesive strip, the pull cover being shaped and sized such that itcovers those areas of the adhesive strip and the lower sheet that arenot covered by the upper sheet, the pull cover being releasably attachedto the upper sheet and to the lower sheet and a first tab suitable forgrasping attached to the pull cover, wherein the act of pulling thefirst tab causes the separation of the release liner from the adhesivestrip and also causes the removal of the adhesive strip from thepackage.

There is also provided in accordance with the present invention abandage package apparatus comprising a lower sheet having an uppersurface and a lower surface, an upper sheet having an upper surface anda lower surface, the upper sheet substantially superposing and beingattached to the lower sheet to form an enclosure, an opening located onthe upper sheet such that a majority of the upper sheet lies on one sideof the opening, a release liner attached to the upper surface of thelower sheet such that a portion of the release liner is situated withinthe enclosure, a bandage releasably attached to the release liner, thebandage being located within the enclosure and a pull cover having afirst tab, the pull cover being releasably attached to both the bandageand the upper sheet, the pull cover extending through the opening farenough so that the first tab can be readily grasped, the pull coverfurther including a pull tab, wherein the act of pulling the pull tabcauses the separation of the pull cover from the upper sheet, theseparation of the release liner from the adhesive strip and the removalof the adhesive strip from the package.

There is further provided in accordance with the present invention abandage package apparatus comprising a lower sheet having an uppersurface, a lower surface and an appendage, a release liner attached tothe lower sheet, a bandage having an upper surface and a lower surface,the lower surface being releasably attached to the release liner, anupper sheet having an upper surface, a lower surface and an appendage,the upper sheet being attached to the lower sheet, a pull coverreleasably attached to the appendage of the upper sheet, the appendageof the lower sheet and the bandage, the pull cover adapted to cover atleast that area of the bandage and the lower sheet that are not coveredby the upper sheet so as to form an envelope for enclosing and retainingthe bandage within the package, the pull cover further including a firsttab suitable for grasping, a pull tab suitable for grasping, the pulltab being associated with the pull cover and wherein the act of pullingthe first tab causes the separation of pull cover from the upper sheetand the lower sheet, and also causes the separation of the release linerfrom the bandage and the consequent removal of the adhesive strip fromthe package.

There is also provided in accordance with the present invention abandage package and dispensing apparatus comprising a roll of bandagepackages wherein bandage packages are connected end to end in acontinuous manner, a container adapted to store the roll of bandagepackages whereby bandage packages can be removed from the container,wherein each bandage package comprises a lower sheet having an uppersurface and a lower surface, a release liner attached to the lowersheet, an adhesive strip having an upper surface and a lower surface,the lower surface being releasably attached to the release liner, anupper sheet having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper sheetbeing attached to the lower sheet, a pull cover releasably attached tothe adhesive strip, the pull cover being shaped and sized such that itcovers those areas of the adhesive strip and the lower sheet that arenot covered by the upper sheet, the pull cover being releasably attachedto the upper sheet and to the lower sheet and a first tab suitable forgrasping attached to the pull cover, wherein the act of pulling thefirst tab causes the separation of the release liner from the adhesivestrip and also causes the removal of the adhesive strip from thepackage.

There is further provided in accordance with the present invention abandage package and dispensing apparatus comprising a stack of bandagepackages, a substantially rectangular container openable on one end andadapted to protect and store the stack of bandage packages, wherein eachthe bandage package comprises a lower sheet having an upper surface anda lower surface, a release liner attached to the lower sheet, anadhesive strip having an upper surface and a lower surface, the lowersurface being releasably attached to the release liner, an upper sheethaving an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper sheet beingattached to the lower sheet, a pull cover releasably attached to theadhesive strip, the pull cover being shaped and sized such that itcovers those areas of the adhesive strip and the lower sheet that arenot covered by the upper sheet, the pull cover being releasably attachedto the upper sheet and to the lower sheet and a first tab suitable forgrasping attached to the pull cover, wherein the act of pulling thefirst tab causes the separation of the release liner from the adhesivestrip and also causes the removal of the adhesive strip from thepackage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, withreference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a bottom planar view illustration of the flexible strip of thepresent invention with an adhesive layer and an absorbent pad affixedthereon;

FIG. 2 is a cross section view illustration of the flexible strip shownin FIG. 1 with an adhesive layer and an absorbent pad attached thereto;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustration of an adhesive stripconstructed in accordance with the present invention including a partialcarrier and a pull cover;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustration of an adhesive stripconstructed in accordance with the present invention including a partialcarrier with an integrally formed pull cover;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustration of an adhesive strip with afull carrier sheet, a pull tab, and a pull cover;

FIG. 6A is an exploded perspective view illustration of the adhesivestrip or bandage and dispenser package constructed in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 6B is an exploded perspective view illustration of the adhesivestrip or bandage and dispenser package using a blocking memberconstructed in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6C is an exploded perspective view illustration of the adhesivestrip or bandage and dispenser package using a blocking memberconstructed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7A is cross-sectional view illustration of the adhesive strip orbandage and dispenser package according to the present invention, takenalong line 7-7 of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view illustration of an alternativeembodiment of the adhesive strip or bandage and dispenser packageincorporating a carrier sheet;

FIG. 8 is a detailed top view illustration of a first alternativeembodiment of the pull cover of the present invention with the uppersheet partially peeled away;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustration of a second alternativeembodiment of the present invention, which shows the attachment of therelease liner to the lower sheet as well as the attachment of the pullcover to both the upper and the lower sheets;

FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view illustration of a third alternativeembodiment of the present invention, which shows the attachment of therelease liner to the lower sheet as well as the attachment of the pullcover to both the upper sheet and the lower sheet;

FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view illustration of a fourth alternativeembodiment of the present invention which shows the attachment of therelease liner to the attachment tab as well as the attachment of thepull cover to both the upper sheet and the lower sheet;

FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view illustration of a fifth alternativeembodiment of the present invention, which shows the attachment of therelease liner to the lower sheet as well as the attachment of the pullcover to both the upper sheet and the lower sheet using an adhesive;

FIG. 10D is a cross-sectional view illustration of a sixth alternativeembodiment of the present invention, which shows the attachment of thepull cover to the upper sheet as well as to the release liner using anadhesive;

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view illustration of an alternativeembodiment of a package of the present invention with a shaped uppersheet;

FIG. 12A is a detailed cross-sectional view illustration of a firstalternative embodiment of a seam between the pull cover and the uppersheet;

FIG. 12B is a detailed cross-sectional view illustration of a secondalternative embodiment of a seam between the pull cover and the uppersheet;

FIG. 12C is a detailed cross-sectional view illustration of a thirdalternative embodiment of a seam between the pull cover and the uppersheet;

FIG. 13 is a detailed cross-sectional view illustration of a firstalternative embodiment of a method of attaching a pull cover to theadhesive strip or bandage;

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view illustration of an alternativeembodiment of the adhesive strip having a carrier sheet laminated uponthe adhesive strip;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustration of an alternativeembodiment of the present invention having an adhesive applied to boththe upper and lower surfaces of the adhesive strip and including acarrier;

FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view illustration of an alternativeembodiment of the present invention having an adhesive applied to boththe upper and lower surfaces of the adhesive strip;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustration of a seventh alternativeembodiment of the present invention, showing a pull cover extendingthrough an opening in the upper sheet;

FIG. 18 is a detailed top-view illustration of the adhesive strip orbandage and dispenser package of FIG. 17 with the upper sheet peeledback;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view illustration of the adhesive strip orbandage and dispenser package according to an eighth alternativeembodiment of the present invention using an integral upper sheet andpull cover;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view illustration of the adhesive strip orbandage and dispenser package of FIG. 19 as it is being opened and thebandage contained within is removed;

FIG. 21 is a detailed cross sectional view illustration of the adhesivestrip or bandage and dispenser package of FIG. 19 having a firstalternative embodiment of the pull cover;

FIG. 22 is a detailed cross sectional view illustration of the adhesivestrip or bandage and dispenser package of FIG. 19 having a secondalternative embodiment of the pull cover;

FIG. 23 is a detailed cross sectional view illustration of the adhesivestrip or bandage and dispenser package of FIG. 19 having a thirdalternative embodiment of the pull cover;

FIGS. 24A and 24B are perspective view illustrations of an individualbandage package of the present invention being opened and the adhesivestrip being removed from the package;

FIG. 24C is a perspective view illustration of a pull cover beingremoved from an adhesive strip of the present invention that has beenapplied to a user's hand;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view illustration of a first embodiment of adispensing pack;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view illustration of a second embodiment of adispensing pack;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view illustration of a dispenser suitable foruse with the continuous roll dispensing pack of FIGS. 26 and 28;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view illustration of the dispensing pack ofFIG. 26 using a continuous upper and lower sheet;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view illustration of an alternative dispenserthat uses an external guide means suitable for use with the continuousroll dispensing packs of FIGS. 26 and 28;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view illustration of the dispensing pack ofFIG. 26 using a continuous upper sheet with an integral pull cover and acontinuous lower sheet;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view illustration of a third embodiment of adispensing pack;

FIG. 32 is a front side view illustration of a fourth embodiment of adispensing pack adapted to dispense adhesive strips from opposing sides;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view illustration of the adhesive strip with aone-piece carrier and pull cover, as used in the dispensing pack of FIG.34;

FIG. 34 is an exploded perspective view illustration of a dispensingpack incorporating an optional blocking member and one piece carrier andpull cover assembly;

FIG. 35 is an exploded perspective view illustration of a dispensingpack with an optional blocking member and a one-piece carrier andpull-cover assembly with adhesive strips placed in each fold;

FIG. 36 is an exploded perspective view illustration of a dispensingpack with an optional blocking member and a one-piece carrier andpull-cover assembly with adhesive strips placed in each fold;

FIG. 37 is an exploded perspective view illustration of a dispensingpack which is adapted to dispense adhesive strips from opposing sides;

FIG. 38 is an exploded cross sectional view illustration of a dispensingpack with an optional blocking member and a one-piece carrier andpull-cover assembly;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view illustration of a first embodiment of acontainer assembly mounted within a flip-top box;

FIG. 40 is a perspective view illustration of a second embodiment of acontainer assembly incorporating a sliding-box;

FIG. 41 is a semi-cutaway perspective view illustration of a thirdembodiment of a container assembly;

FIG. 42A is a perspective view illustration of a fourth embodiment of acontainer assembly incorporating a flip-cover-type box with the coverbeing in the closed position;

FIG. 42B is a side view illustration of the container assembly of FIG.42A;

FIG. 42C is a perspective view illustration of the container assembly ofFIG. 42A with the cover being in a semi-open position;

FIG. 43A is a perspective view illustration of a fifth embodiment of acontainer assembly incorporating a flip-cover-type box including sidemembers, with the cover and one side member being in the semi-openposition;

FIG. 43B is a perspective view illustration of the container assembly ofFIG. 43A with side members secured to each other;

FIG. 43C is a perspective view illustration of the container assembly ofFIG. 43A with the cover in the closed position;

FIG. 44A is a perspective view illustration of a sixth embodiment of acontainer assembly incorporating a flexible outer wrapper having a bodyportion and a removable top portion;

FIG. 44B is a perspective view illustration of the container assembly ofFIG. 44A with the top portion removed;

FIG. 45A is a perspective view illustration of a seventh embodiment of acontainer assembly incorporating a semi-rigid body portion and are-sealable cover in the closed position; and

FIG. 45B is a perspective view illustration of the container assembly ofFIG. 45A with the cover in the open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following terms and definitions apply throughout this document.

The term flexible strip is used to denote a strip, spot, patch, eyeocclusion, testing strip, wound dressing of various shapes and materials(such as commonly-known foam wound dressings), or like device whichflexes easily and which has two surfaces, including an upper surface anda lower surface.

The term adhesive strip denotes a flexible strip upon which an adhesivecoating is applied to a surface thereof.

The term bandage denotes a flexible strip with an adhesive coatingapplied to a surface thereof, upon which an absorbent pad is placed.

In all embodiments of this invention, cohesives may be used rather thanadhesives to join or bond surfaces together, except, of course, wherepractical considerations require otherwise.

Note that throughout the present invention, interchangeability ofcomponents is contemplated and the corresponding terms throughout thisspecification including the claims may therefore be substituted for oneanother as desired as would be reasonable to one skilled in the art. Forexample, a bandage may be substituted for a flexible strip, in whichcase a release means must be included, whereas if a flexible strip isused rather than a bandage or an adhesive strip, the release means maybe excluded depending upon implementation.

The term package refers to the combination formed for the most part byan upper sheet, a lower sheet, a pull cover and an optional releasemeans. However, when the pull cover is separated from the otherelements, the term “package” refers to the combination formed by theupper sheet, the lower sheet, and the release means.

The term bond denotes bonds, seams and seals unless the contextindicates otherwise.

Throughout this invention, when using a blocking member that is placedbetween and attached to both the upper sheet and the lower sheet it willbe assumed that the upper sheet is attached to the lower sheet.

The present invention is applicable to medical dressings and the likeand is characterized by a flexible strip interposed between at least oneupper sheet and a lower sheet with an attached pull cover included toremove the flexible strip from the package and an attached release linerincluded for adhesive-strip or bandage applications. It will beappreciated that the flexible strip is completely contained between theupper sheet or sheets, the pull cover and the lower sheet. The packagethus formed constitutes a sterile enclosure without the need foradditional packaging.

It will be further appreciated by one skilled in the art that theembodiments of the present invention may be constructed using differentmaterials, such as polymers, which include polyurethane, polyolefin,polyester, polyethylene, polyethylene/EVA, polyvinyl,polyvinyl-chloride, plastic, paper, treated paper, cloth, and othermaterials of suitable construction.

A bottom planar view illustration of the flexible strip of the presentinvention with an adhesive layer and an absorbent pad affixed thereon isshown in FIG. 1. A flexible strip 10 comprises a pressure-sensitiveadhesive surface 12 applied to a lower surface 14 (to produce anadhesive strip) and an absorbent pad 16 suitable for use on wounds,centrally disposed upon the adhesive-coated lower surface, leavingexposed adhesive for securing the flexible strip to a desired object.Although the flexible strip is depicted in a rectangular shape, it willbe appreciated that other shapes, such as circular, square, “X,” “H,”“clover,” “star,” are also possible with minimal modifications.

A cross section view illustration of the flexible strip of FIG. 1 isshown in FIG. 2. The flexible strip 10 has an upper surface 18 and anopposed lower surface 14. A pressure-sensitive adhesive surface 12 isapplied upon the lower surface. An absorbent pad 16, suitable for use onwounds, is centrally disposed upon the adhesive-coated lower surface,leaving exposed adhesive for securing the adhesive strip to a desiredobject. Note that for illustration purposes the adhesive surface isdepicted as separate from the surface upon which it rests. In otherfigures which include the adhesive surface the adhesive surface isomitted from the drawings for clarity purposes but is assumed to bepresent.

The flexible strip is constructed from any suitable flexible materialrigid enough such that the flexible strip does not fold upon itselfduring application. Alternatively, if the flexible strip is notconstructed from a material of such rigidity, it can be reinforced byusing a rigidity-enhancing carrier as described infra.

A perspective view illustration of an adhesive strip constructed inaccordance with the present invention comprising a partial carrier and apull cover is shown in FIG. 3. A carrier 24 is releasably laminated uponthe upper surface 22 of the adhesive strip 20. The adhesive strip 20 ispreferably constructed from thin films (or other types of polymers) ofsuitable known construction, such as polyurethane or polyethylene, whichare commercially available from the 3M Corporation, St. Paul, Minn. Thecarrier is preferably manufactured from a material rigid enough toprevent curling of the adhesive strip before it is applied to thedesired surface and is releasably laminated using a suitable means suchas cold bonding.

Suitable means for attaching the carrier to the adhesive strip dependupon the type of materials used to construct the adhesive strip and maycomprise pressure bonding, thermal bonding, pressure-sensitive adhesivesor combinations of these, or other means which are commonly known in theart. The bond between the carrier and the adhesive strip should besufficiently strong so that the carrier does not separate from theadhesive strip before the adhesive strip is applied to a desiredsurface, but should not be so strong that the carrier, when removed fromthe adhesive strip, damages the adhesive bond between the adhesive stripand the desired surface. Such carriers are well known in the art.

The outer perimeter of the carrier is shaped and sized similarly to oridentically to the adhesive strip so that it is substantially or fullycongruent with the outer perimeter of the adhesive strip to which it isattached. In alternative embodiments, the carrier is shaped and sized sothat the outer perimeter of the carrier may be located either inside oroutside the outer perimeter of the adhesive strip. In other alternativeembodiments, the carrier may be die cut from the same sheet of materialas the adhesive strip and may therefore lie in the same plane as theadhesive strip and may surround the perimeter of the adhesive strip.

The carrier has an opening termed a window in its center section, whichenables the user to observe the surface to which it is intended to applythe adhesive strip, thereby allowing for application of the adhesivestrip at the precise location desired. Furthermore, the carrier isshaped so that it generally forms a ring-like structure or frame (whichmay be broken in certain areas) adjacent to the outer perimeter of theadhesive strip which is rigid enough to prevent curling of the adhesivestrip during the process of dispensing and applying the adhesive strip.Alternatively, the carrier may be formed to have other shapes, such asdescribed infra.

The carrier may be constructed using any suitable material such astreated paper or kraft paper. Alternatively, the carrier may be madefrom other suitable materials as are commonly known in the art and whichinclude without limitation, polymers, etc. Examples of suitablematerials include, without limitation, (1) 60BKG-157 super calendratedkraft paper with a water based silicon surface or (2) 80BKG-15799AM twosided silicone coated bleached kraft glassine 80 lb/ream basis weightwith an easy release on one side and a tighter release on the otherside, emulsion tin silicone technology material. Both of these materialsare commercially available from DCP-LOHJA, Inc., Willowbrook, Ill. Othertypes of carriers, such as those which are commonly known in the arts,are also contemplated by the invention.

The user is also directed to U.S. Pat. No. 5,160,315, to Heinecke, etal., entitled “Combined adhesive strip and transparent dressing deliverysystem,” U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,738,642 and 6,169,224, both issued toHeinecke, et al., and entitled “Carrier delivered dressing and method ofmanufacture,” all of which describe transparent dressings with carrierlayers in more detail and are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

The carrier has at least one removal means, such as a pull tab 26, toassist the user in removing the carrier from the adhesive strip.Preferably, the pull tab is located within the interior portion of thecarrier. Alternatively, however, the pull tab may extend beyond theouter perimeter of the carrier. A slit 28 is located adjacent to thepull tab. The slit is preferably angled in a direction not parallel withthe line of separation between the adhesive strip and a release liner,so that it reduces shear stress upon and stretching of the adhesivestrip during removal of the adhesive strip from the package and alsohelps keeps the adhesive strip rigid so that it does not fold uponitself after it is removed from the package. In a preferred embodiment,the placement of the pull tab and the slit causes the separation of thecarrier from the adhesive strip to start at the interior portion of theadhesive strip and work around the outer perimeter of the adhesive strip(preferably using peel stress as opposed to shear stress) in a directionwhich would be less likely to disturb the bond between the adhesivestrip and the surface to which it is attached.

The pull cover 30 is constructed from a flexible material and isattached to the carrier 24 adjacent to the leading edge 32 of theadhesive strip 20. Alternatively, the pull cover may be formedintegrally with the carrier from the same sheet of material. The removalof the carrier from the adhesive strip also removes the attached pullcover. Alternatively, the carrier is not attached to the pull cover andis removed separately from it.

The carrier comprises one or more holding means. The holding meansfunctions to enable the user to grasp and hold the carrier and theattached adhesive strip. The pull cover functions as a suitable holdingmeans. An alternative holding means comprises a tab that projects beyondthe outer perimeter of the adhesive strip and which is large enough fora user to grasp.

The pull cover extends beyond the perimeter of the adhesive strip so asto form tab 34. The tab 34 preferably extends far enough so that a usercan easily grasp and pull it.

A perspective view illustration of an adhesive strip constructed inaccordance with the present invention including a partial carrier withan integrally formed pull cover is shown in FIG. 4. A wound pad 36 isattached to the lower planar surface of the adhesive strip 40. Theadhesive strip and carrier 38 are constructed similarly to the adhesivestrip and carrier of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. The pull cover 42,however, is formed integrally from the same sheet of material as thecarrier 38. The pull cover extends beyond the perimeter of the adhesivestrip so as to form tab 44. The tab preferably extends far enough sothat a user can easily grasp and pull it.

A perspective view illustration of an adhesive strip with a full carriersheet, a pull tab, and a pull cover is shown in FIG. 5. The carrier 48is shaped and sized similarly to the adhesive strip 50 so that it issubstantially or fully congruent with the adhesive strip. The carrier ispreferably bonded to the adhesive strip using a low tactile adhesive.Alternatively, the carrier is attached to the adhesive strip usingpressure bonding, thermal bonding, cold bonding or any other suitablemeans such as is commonly known in the arts. The carrier is bonded moreaggressively in the area that lies adjacent to the leading edge 52 ofthe adhesive strip than in other areas of the adhesive strip in order toprevent the carrier from separating from the adhesive strip duringremoval of the adhesive strip from the package. In an alternativeembodiment, the carrier is bonded to the adhesive strip uniformly.

A pull tab 54 is attached to the carrier thus providing a means forgrasping the carrier to remove it from the adhesive strip once theadhesive strip is applied to a desired surface. In an alternativeembodiment, the pull tab is formed integrally from the same sheet ofmaterial as the carrier. The pull tab is preferably locatedsubstantially opposite the leading edge of the adhesive strip at a pointwhere it will easily separate the carrier from the adhesive strip. Thepull tab is folded over itself and may be releasably bonded to a part ofthe package so that the pull tab unfolds and is easy to grasp once theadhesive strip is removed from the package and applied to the desiredsurface. In alternative embodiments, the pull tab is not folded.Optionally, the pull tab may be colored permitting the user to readilynotice if the carrier has not been removed from the adhesive strip afterthe adhesive strip has been applied to a desired surface.

A slit 56 is made in the carrier in order to reduce the effort requiredto remove the carrier from the adhesive strip. The slit is used todirect the progression of separation of the carrier from the adhesivestrip so that it will be perpendicular to the more aggressively-bondedarea that lies adjacent to the leading edge of the adhesive strip,thereby reducing the width of the bond at the point of separation. Thisdesign is less likely to disturb the bond between the adhesive strip andthe surface to which it is attached. In an alternative embodiment, theslit may be omitted.

A pull cover 58 is attached to the carrier. The pull cover extendsbeyond the perimeter of the adhesive strip so as to form a tab 60. Thetab should extend far enough so that a user can easily grasp and pullit. An optional wound pad 62 is attached to the lower planar surface ofthe adhesive strip.

Suitable materials for construction of the carrier comprise withoutlimitation polyethylene, polyester, or any other transparent materialand/or polymeric material that is suitable for use with the adhesivestrip. Such materials are commercially available and include a1-2.5RLSF-6000 liner available from the DCP-LOHJA Corp. or aheatsealable polyethylene film no. 9966 available from the 3MCorporation Medical Specialties Division, St. Paul, Minn.

An exploded perspective view illustration of the adhesive strip orbandage and dispenser package constructed in accordance with the presentinvention is shown in FIG. 6A. The dispenser package comprises a package64 in which an adhesive strip 70 is incorporated. The package comprisesan upper sheet 66, a lower sheet 68, a pull cover 72 and a release liner74. The adhesive strip can be suitable for medical applications but theinvention is not limited to such. The lower surface 76 of the adhesivestrip is in direct contact with and is protected by at least one releaseliner. An adhesive surface 80 is applied to the lower surface of theadhesive strip. The upper surface 78 of the adhesive strip is covered byat least a part of both the upper sheet and the pull cover.Alternatively, the upper surface of the adhesive strip is covered byeither the upper sheet or the pull cover.

The release liner preferably has a low coefficient of cohesion so thatit is easy to remove from the adhesive strip. Additionally, the releaseliner is flexible enough so that the flexible strip is easily removedfrom the package. Release liners are well known in the art, and maycomprise, for example, a silicone-coated treated paper such as isavailable from DCP-LOHJA, Inc. or LOPAREX, Inc., Willowbrook, Ill.

The pull cover has a first tab 82 which is located at an exterior end ofthe pull cover and an optional pull tab 84 located on the end of thepull cover adjacent to the adhesive strip. The first tab as well as thepull tab (if present) should be sized such that a user may easily graspit during use. The pull cover is releasably attached to the uppersurface of the adhesive strip at a location which is proximate to theleading edge 86 of the adhesive strip using any suitable means whichwould enable the pull cover to separate the adhesive strip from therelease liner when the package is opened. Optionally, the pull cover isalso releasably attached to other areas of the adhesive strip. Asuitable means of attaching the pull cover to the adhesive strip is byusing a low-tactile pressure-sensitive adhesive applied to the pullcover so that the pull cover is releasably attached to the leading edgeof the adhesive strip. Other means of attaching the pull cover to theadhesive strip include heat, pressure, cold-bonding, emulsion bonding,cold sealing or any combination of these or other suitable methods asare common and well known in the art. The tenacity of the bond betweenthe adhesive strip and the pull cover should be great enough such thatthe adhesive strip remains attached to the pull cover until the adhesivestrip is applied to a desired object. Care must be taken so that thestrength of the bond between the pull cover and the adhesive stripallows the pull cover to be removed from the adhesive strip with minimaleffort and without damaging the bond formed by the adhesive surface onthe lower surface of the adhesive strip once the adhesive strip has beenapplied to the desired surface. Alternatively, the pull cover isattached to a carrier (such as is shown in FIGS. 3 through 5 describedsupra) which is attached to the adhesive strip or is releasably attachedthe adhesive surface of the adhesive strip.

The upper sheet 66, has an upper surface 88, a lower surface 90, aninterior end 92 and a trailing end 94. Likewise, the lower sheet 68, hasan upper surface 100, a lower surface 102, an interior end 96 and atrailing end 98.

The pull cover is releasably attached to the upper sheet 66. Althoughthe pull cover may be attached to the upper sheet at any point along thesurface of the pull cover, it is preferred that the pull cover bereleasably attached to the upper sheet at a location proximate to thefirst tab 82 of the pull cover. The pull cover is releasably attached tothe upper sheet using a suitable bond that requires minimal effort toseparate, and, preferably, employs a low-tactile pressure-sensitiveadhesive that is capable of maintaining a sterile seal. Other suitablemethods for bonding include heat, pressure, cold-bonding, emulsionbonding, etc. It is preferred that the bond use peel stress to separate.A suitable peel-stress-type bond is formed by folding the upper sheetacross its width at fold 104, so as to form an appendage 106U whichterminates at an interior end 92 of the upper sheet, wherein theappendage is releasably attached to the pull cover.

In an alternative embodiment, the pull cover is formed from the samesheet of material as the upper sheet using a weakened line to separatethe pull cover portion from the upper sheet portion, as is describedinfra.

The lower sheet 68 is shaped similarly to the adhesive strip 70 but islarger, so as to be capable of forming a seam around the perimeter ofthe package formed by the combination of the lower sheet 68, the uppersheet 66 and the pull cover. The lower sheet is preferably folded acrossits width at fold 108, so as to form an appendage 106L which terminatesat the interior end of the lower sheet. The appendage is preferably longenough to be capable of forming a releasable bond or seal between thelower sheet and the pull cover and, in certain embodiments (such as theone shown), the upper sheet. This bond or seal is similar to the bond orseal between the upper sheet and the pull cover, as described supra. Theupper sheet has one or more scores 110U. Likewise, the lower sheet hasone or more scores 110L.

The portion of the appendage 106L that lies between scores 110L and theadjacent outer perimeter of the package is either removed, folded backupon itself or folded back and bonded upon itself in order to reduce oreliminate shear-type forces when the pull cover is removed from thepackage. This will reduce the force necessary to remove the pull coverfrom the package. Likewise, depending upon the configuration used, thecorresponding area of the upper cover has the same or similarconfiguration.

In a preferred embodiment, the pull cover is slightly narrower than thepackage so as to avoid a shear-type bond between the pull cover and boththe upper sheet and lower sheet.

The upper sheet and the lower sheet are releasably attached to eachother along their outer perimeter except for that portion where they areattached to the pull cover. One suitable method of attaching the uppersheet to the lower sheet comprises a low-tactile pressure-sensitiveadhesive. In alternative embodiments, cold bonding, thermal bonding,pressure bonding, or other suitable bonds, which are common in the art,may also be used. Care should be taken so that the upper sheet and thelower sheet can separate far enough from each other so as to allow theadhesive strip to be easily removed from the package. An optional woundpad 112 is attached to the lower planar surface 76 of the adhesivestrip.

In alternative embodiments, a blocking member (such as that shown inFIG. 6B infra), which is well known in the art, is used to attach theupper sheet to the lower sheet. The upper sheet and the lower sheet areattached to the adjacent side of the blocking member.

An exploded perspective view illustration of the adhesive strip orbandage and dispenser package using a carrier and blocking memberaccording to an alternative embodiment of the current invention is shownin FIG. 6B. This embodiment (package 116) is similar to the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 6A the difference being the inclusion of a blockingmember 114 which is placed between and attached to both the upper sheetand the lower sheet.

An exploded perspective view illustration of the adhesive strip orbandage and dispenser package using a carrier and blocking memberaccording to an alternative embodiment of the current invention is shownin FIG. 6C. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 6B, with a difference being the elimination of that portion of thelower sheet's appendage 106L that lies between scores 110L (as shown inFIG. 6B) and the adjacent outer perimeter of the lower sheet, as well asthat portion of the upper sheet's appendage 106U that lies betweenscores 110U (as shown in FIG. 6B) and the adjacent outer perimeter ofthe upper sheet, so as to form appendages 124L and 124U (as shown inFIG. 6C). Appendages 124L and 124U are located on the lower sheet 122and the upper sheet 120 of the package 118, respectively.

A cross-sectional view illustration of the adhesive strip or bandage anddispenser package according to the present invention, taken along line7-7 of FIG. 6A, is shown in FIG. 7A. The release liner 74 is attached tothe appendage 106L of the lower sheet 68 adjacent to the interior end 96of the lower sheet 68. The bond between the release liner and the lowersheet preferably does not separate in use, and should be able to flexsufficiently in order to facilitate the separation of any bonds adjacentto this bond and so that the adhesive strip 70 can easily be separatedfrom the release liner. The preferred method of joining the releaseliner to the lower sheet is by overlapping and bonding the leading end128 of the release liner with the interior end of the lower sheet. Extramaterials provided on either or both the lower sheet and the releaseliner so as to allow the release liner to be bonded to the lower sheetas required. One suitable method of bonding the release liner to theinterior end of the lower sheet is by using a high-tactilepressure-sensitive adhesive. Other suitable methods include but are notlimited to cold bonding, thermal bonding, pressure bonding, or othermethods of bonding which are well known in the arts. In alternativeembodiments the release liner may be formed from the same sheet ofmaterial as the lower sheet.

The adhesive strip is releasably attached to, and protected by, all or apart of the release liner. The adhesive strip is retained within thepackage by either or both the release liner and the pull cover.Additionally, the upper sheet 66 and/or the lower sheet 68 may also havea light adhesive to retain the adhesive strip within the package andalso provide for a desired amount of friction when removing the adhesivestrip from the package.

A second tab 126 is formed by attaching the upper sheet 66 and the lowersheet 68 to each other at a location proximate to either the trailingend 94 of the upper sheet or the trailing end 98 of the lower sheet. Thebond between the upper sheet and the lower sheet at this location shouldbe sufficiently aggressive so that these sheets do not substantiallypull apart from each other when opening the package 64. Additionally,the second tab 126 should be of sufficient size so that the user caneasily grab it during use. In an alternative embodiment, the upper sheetand the lower sheet are formed from one sheet of material by folding thelower sheet across its width (transverse axis) at a location that isadjacent to the trailing end of the lower sheet. Some adhesive ispreferably applied between the two sheets so as to bond the two sheetstogether in the area of the second tab, thus better defining the secondtab. Alternatively, the upper sheet and the lower sheet are formed froma single sheet of material which is folded across its longitudinal axisso as to form both the upper sheet and the lower sheet. Additionally,the sheets are bonded together so as to form the package and the secondtab. Alternatively, the second tab may be omitted.

Preferably, the upper sheet and the lower sheet are constructed fromflexible treated paper as is common in the art. Additionally, the pullcover is preferably constructed from a similar material. Alternatively,other material may be used. In alternate embodiments the second tab maybe deleted.

An optional wound pad 112 is attached to the lower surface of theadhesive strip 70. Alternatively, a plurality of wound pads may be used.

A cross-sectional view illustration of an alternative embodiment of theadhesive strip or bandage and dispenser package incorporating a carriersheet is shown in FIG. 7B. This embodiment, generally referenced 134, issimilar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7A, described hereinabove, adifference being that it uses a full carrier 152 which is formedintegrally with the pull cover 150 as shown. The carrier 152 isreleasably laminated to the adhesive strip 144 which is releasablyattached to the release liner 146.

The adhesive strip 144 is located within the package 134 and held inplace by either or both the release liner and/or the pull cover. Alow-tack adhesive is optionally applied to either or both the uppersheet 136 and/or the lower sheet 138 in the area where it contacts theadhesive strip 144, the carrier 152 and/or release liner 146, so as tomaintain the desired amount of friction when removing the adhesive stripfrom the package.

The pull cover is releasably attached to the appendage 154U of the uppersheet and the appendage 154L of the lower sheet. A second tab 140 islocated opposite the first tab 148. An optional wound pad 156 isattached to the adhesive strip.

A detailed top view illustration of a first alternative embodiment ofthe pull cover of the present invention with the upper sheet partiallypeeled away is shown in FIG. 8. The pull cover 160 is as wide as (orwider than) the package 158 in the area where the pull cover is attachedto the upper sheet 174 and the lower sheet 176. Scores (as shown inFIGS. 6A and 6B) are eliminated from both the upper sheet appendage (notshown) and the lower sheet appendage 166. The pull cover is releasablyattached to the appendages of the upper sheet and lower sheet 176, asdescribed supra. The portion of the pull cover which lies in theinterior portion of the package is narrower than the seam that seals thepackage. The second tab 172 is located opposite the first tab 162. Thepull tab 178 is located opposite the first tab 162. The adhesive strip170 comprises an optional wound pad 168.

A cross-sectional view illustration of a second alternative embodimentof the present invention, which shows the attachment of the releaseliner to the lower sheet as well as the attachment of the pull cover toboth the upper and the lower sheet, is shown in FIG. 9. The releaseliner 182 is folded over itself and its leading end 188 is attached tothe lower sheet 184 at attachment 186. Alternatively, the release lineris attached to the lower sheet at attachment without the fold. The pullcover 194 is releasably attached to the upper sheet 190 and the lowersheet. It is appreciated that the packaging structure 180 shown here maybe used in many embodiments of the present invention. Moreover, thesedesigns may be required in certain embodiments which dispense aplurality of flexible strips from a dispensing pack such as is shown anddescribed hereinbelow.

In alternative embodiments, the release liner is provided with a releasemeans so that at least a major portion of it may be separated from thelower sheet. Without limitation, suitable release means comprises areleasable bond or a weakened line (e.g., either a scored or perforatedline) on the lower sheet or on the release liner so as to enable therelease liner to be separated from the package 180 after the package isopened.

A cross-sectional view illustration of a third alternative embodiment ofthe present invention, which shows the attachment of the release linerto the lower sheet as well as the attachment of the pull cover to boththe upper sheet and the lower sheet, is shown in FIG. 10A. The pullcover 196 is releasably attached to both the upper sheet 198 and thelower sheet 200 using attachment tabs 204U and 204L. The upperattachment tab 204U is attached to the pull cover and releasablyattached to the adjacent upper sheet. Likewise, the lower attachment tab204L is attached to the pull cover and releasably attached to theadjacent lower sheet 200. Moving the pull cover away from the uppersheet and the lower sheet causes a peel-stress type separation of thebond between the attachment tabs 204U and 204L and the adjacent uppersheet and the lower sheet. The release liner 206 is attached (adjacentto its leading end 218) to the lower sheet at attachment 220. Therelease liner is releasably attached to the adhesive strip 212 asdescribed elsewhere in this document. Attachment tabs 204 may bereversed if desired (see FIG. 10B). Attachment tab 204U is preferablylocated proximate to the leading end 208 of the upper sheet. Likewise,attachment tab 204L is preferably located proximate to the leading end210 of the lower sheet. Alternatively, the upper attachment tab 204Uand/or the lower attachment tab 204L may be releasably attached to thepull cover.

A cross-sectional view illustration of a fourth alternative embodimentof the present invention which shows the attachment of the release linerto the attachment tab as well as the attachment of the pull cover toboth the upper sheet and the lower sheet, is shown in FIG. 10B. The pullcover 222 is releasably attached to both the upper sheet 224 and thelower sheet 226 using attachment tabs 228U and 228L. The upperattachment tab 228U is attached to the pull cover and releasablyattached to the adjacent upper sheet. Likewise, the lower attachment tab228L is attached to the pull cover and releasably attached to theadjacent lower sheet. Moving the pull cover away from the upper sheetand the lower sheet causes a peel-stress type separation of the bondbetween the attachment tabs 228U and 228L and the adjacent upper sheet224 and the lower sheet 226. The release liner 230 is attached (adjacentto its leading end 232) to the lower attachment tab 228L at attachment234. The release liner is releasably attached to the adhesive strip 212as described elsewhere in this document. Attachment tab 228U ispreferably located proximate to the leading end 236 of the upper sheet.Likewise, attachment tab 228L is preferably located proximate to theleading end 238 of the lower sheet. Alternatively, the upper attachmenttab 228U and/or the lower attachment tab 228L may be releasably attachedto the pull cover. In alternative embodiments, the lower attachment tab228L is formed from the same sheet of material as the release liner.

A cross-sectional view illustration of a fifth alternative embodiment ofthe present invention, which shows the attachment of the release linerto the lower sheet as well as the attachment of the pull cover to boththe upper sheet and the lower sheet using an adhesive, is shown in FIG.10C. The pull cover 242 is attached to the upper sheet 244 and the lowersheet 246 using an adhesive with a low shear-stress component (such aspressure sensitive adhesive with a low shear-stress component) so thatthe adhesive shears apart when the pull cover is separated from theupper sheet and the lower sheet. The release liner 206 is releasablyattached to the adhesive strip 250 and is attached to the lower sheet246 as described elsewhere in this document. The bond between the pullcover and the upper sheet and the bond between the pull cover and therelease liner should be strong enough to hold the pull cover and theattached adhesive strip in their proper position, in addition tomaintaining package sterility, if desired.

A cross-sectional view illustration of a sixth alternative embodiment ofthe present invention, which shows the attachment of the pull cover tothe upper sheet as well as to the release liner using an adhesive, isshown in FIG. 10D. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown inFIG. 10C and described supra, a difference being that this embodimentcomprises a release liner 252 attached to the lower sheet 262 proximateto the leading end 264 of the lower sheet such that the pull cover 254is releasably attached to at bast a part of the release liner. The pullcover is attached to the upper sheet 260 as described hereinabove.Likewise, the pull cover is attached to either or both the lower sheetand/or the release liner as described hereinabove.

A top perspective view illustration of an alternative embodiment of thepackage of the present invention having a shaped upper sheet is shown inFIG. 11. The seam 270 between the upper sheet 264 and the pull cover 266employs a shear-type bond (e.g., an adhesive). The shape of the uppersheet and the pull cover is such as to indicate which side the pullcover (and the correct top-side) is on. The first tab 272 is oppositethe second tab 274. The lower sheet 268 is releasably attached to thepull cover using an appendage. A blocking member (as described elsewherein this document) is inserted between the upper sheet and the lowersheet. In an alternative embodiment, the pull cover is releasablyattached to the lower sheet in a manner similar to that in which thepull cover is attached to the upper sheet, as described in otherembodiments of the present invention.

A detailed cross-sectional view illustration of a first alternativeembodiment of a seam between the pull cover and the upper sheet bond isshown in FIG. 12A. The seam 276 employs a shear-type bond. The uppersheet 278 and the pull cover 280 are preferably formed from the samesheet of material. The seam is formed by a weakened line in the materialthat forms the upper sheet and the pull cover. This weakened line isformed by perforating, thinning, or scoring the material. When the pullcover is pulled away from the upper sheet, the Awakened line will break,thus separating the pull cover from the upper sheet. The adhesive strip282 and the release liner 284 are shown for the sake of clarity and arenot necessarily attached to the pull cover as indicated. In analternative embodiment, the pull cover is attached to the lower sheet(not shown) in a similar fashion.

A detailed cross-sectional view illustration of a second alternativeembodiment of a seam between the pull cover and the upper sheet bond isshown in FIG. 12B. The seam uses a shear-stress-type bond. The pullcover 292 is releasably attached to the upper sheet 288 at seam 290using a shear-stress-type bond formed using an adhesive with a lowshear-stress type component (or other suitable means as are known in theart). The adhesive strip 296 is shown for purposes of clarity, and isreleasably attached to a release liner 294. The pull cover may, ifdesired, be similarly attached to the lower sheet (not shown). The pullcover 292 includes second tab 286 located adjacent to the trailing endof the pull cover.

A detailed cross-sectional view illustration of a third alternativeembodiment of a seam between the pull cover and the upper sheet bond isshown in FIG. 12C. The seam 306 uses a peel-stress-type bond. The pullcover 296 is attached to the upper sheet 298 using a peel-stress-typebond. The pull cover is folded back over itself and releasably attachedto the upper sheet as shown. The adhesive strip layer 300 is shown forpurposes of clarity and is releasably attached to a release liner 302.The pull cover may, if desired, be similarly attached to the lower sheet(not shown). The pull cover includes a second tab 310 which is locatedadjacent to the trailing end 308 of the pull cover.

A detailed cross-sectional view illustration of a first alternativeembodiment of a method of attaching a pull cover to an adhesive strip orbandage is shown in FIG. 13. The pull cover 312 is releasably attachedto the adhesive surface 314 of the adhesive strip 316 using a tab 318.One end of the tab is attached to the pull cover so as to form the firsttab 320. The other end of tab 318 is releasably attached to the adhesivesurface of the adhesive strip. Tab 318 is adapted to have a desiredcoefficient of adhesion in order that it remain attached to the adhesivestrip until the adhesive strip is attached to the desired object. Theaggressiveness of the attachment is preferably such that the tab 318remains attached to the adhesive strip until the adhesive strip isapplied to a desired object, at which time the tab 318 is able toseparate from the adhesive strip without damaging the bond between theadhesive strip and the desired object to which it is attached. Inalternative embodiments tab 318 and the pull cover are formed integrallyfrom the same sheet of material. The upper sheet 322 is attached to thepull cover (and/or the combination formed by the pull cover and theattached tab 318) as described in other embodiments of the invention.Likewise, the lower sheet (not shown) is also attached to thecombination formed by the pull cover and the attached tab 318 in asimilar fashion as discussed elsewhere in this document.

A cross sectional view illustration of an alternative embodiment of theadhesive strip having a carrier sheet laminated upon the adhesive stripis shown in FIG. 14. The adhesive strip, as used in previousembodiments, is replaced by the combination formed by the adhesive strip324 and the carrier 326 which is laminated thereto. Depending on theapplication, the upper surface 328 of the adhesive strip is replaced bythe upper surface 324C of the carrier. This structure is described inmore detail supra. An optional wound pad 329 may be attached to thelower surface 332 of the adhesive strip.

In various embodiments of the present invention, without limitation, thefirst tab and the second tab (if present) may be modified to enable theuser to more easily use the present invention. Modifications include,for example, (1) colored to contrast with the rest of the package, (2)embossed to enhance user touch, feel, and sight, (3) cut in a way toindicate direction, (4) numbered, embellished with arrows or printedwith directions to indicate proper use.

It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited solely to thepull cover designs which are described herein. Any pull cover whichfunctions to meet the requirements as described herein can be used.Thus, a pull cover which can maintain a desired seal between the uppersheet and the lower sheet and releasably hold the adhesive strip so thatthe adhesive strip may be applied to a desired surface is acceptableregardless of its shape, size, material or other attributes.

In alternative embodiments, either or both the upper sheet and the lowersheet can extend slightly beyond the pull tab so that the pull tab iseither partially or fully enclosed and therefore protected fromaccidental withdrawal. It will also be appreciated that variousembodiments of the present invention can also be used to dispense itemsother than adhesive strips or bandages such as surgical drapes,transdermal patches or the like. In an alternative embodiment, thepackage or adhesive strip may be inverted so that the adhesive stripemerges with the adhesive surface facing up.

A cross sectional view illustration of an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention having an adhesive applied to both the upper and lowersurfaces of the adhesive strip and including a carrier is shown in FIG.15. The package 356 is similar to other packages described elsewhere inthis document. The package comprises a first tab 352 and a second tab354. The release liner 346 is attached to the lower sheet 350 and isreleasably attached to the adhesive strip 334. The adhesive strip isheld in place within the package by the pull cover 344 and/or releaseliner 346 and/or upper release liner 340.

The adhesive strip has an adhesive applied to both the upper surface 336and the lower surface 338. A wound pad 358 is optionally attached to theadhesive strip as shown in this example. For example, a carrier 342(with a window) is attached to the adhesive strip. The upper releaseliner (which in this example is also a carrier window section) fitswithin the window formed by the carrier sheet and is releasably attachedto the adhesive strip. The upper release liner is removed either (1)automatically during the removal of the pull cover and the adhesivestrip from the package in a manner similar to the removal of the releaseliner is removed or (2) manually after the pull cover and the adhesivestrip are removed from the package. If it is desired that the upperrelease liner be removed during the removal of the pull cover and theadhesive strip from the package, then the upper release liner should beconstructed similarly to the release liner and should be attached to theupper sheet 348 in a manner similar to that whereby the release liner isattached to the lower sheet as described elsewhere in this document.Alternatively, if it is desired that the upper release liner be removedfrom the adhesive strip after the package is opened, then the upperrelease liner should be shaped and sized similar to, or larger than,that upper portion of the adhesive strip which has adhesive applied toit to protect the adhesive which is applied to the upper surface of theadhesive strip and should not hinder the operation of the invention.Additionally, the upper release liner should include a means (e.g., atab) to aid the user in removing it from the adhesive strip.

Additionally, if the adhesive strip or bandage comprises a carrier“window” (e.g., such as that which is used in 3M TEGADERM™ TransparentDressings, Original Frame Style, numbers 1634, 1626, 1628, and 1629, see3M product catalog) (which is similar to the upper release liner 340 asshown and will henceforth also be called a carrier window section) whichmust be removed before application of the adhesive strip or bandage tothe desired surface, then the carrier window section may be attached toeither the upper sheet or the lower sheet in a manner similar to that bywhich the release liner is attached to the lower sheet as describedhereinabove. This would allow for the removal of the carrier “window”section during the removal of the adhesive strip or bandage from thepackage while leaving the carrier (if present) attached to the adhesivestrip until after the adhesive strip is attached to a desired object. Itis noted that the upper surface of adhesive strips which use carrierwindow sections, generally have either no adhesive applied or have anadhesive which is not noticeable.

A cross sectional view illustration of an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention having an adhesive applied to both the upper and lowersurfaces of the adhesive strip is shown in FIG. 16. This embodiment issimilar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15, with a differencebeing the elimination of the carrier sheet. The upper release liner 360is removed manually after the pull cover 362 and the adhesive strip 364are removed from the package 366. Alternatively, the leading end 370 ofthe upper release liner is attached to the adjacent upper sheet 368 sothat the upper release liner is removed automatically during the removalof the pull cover and the adhesive strip from the package, in a mannersimilar to that whereby the release liner is removed, as describedelsewhere in this document.

A cross-sectional view illustration of a seventh alternative embodimentof the present invention, showing a pull cover extending through anopening in the upper sheet is shown in FIG. 17. The package 650comprises an upper sheet 652, a lower sheet 654, a pull cover 606 and arelease liner 658. An adhesive strip 624 is contained within thepackage. The lower sheet 654 has an upper surface 654U, a lower surface654L, a leading end 656 and a trailing end 612. The upper sheet 652 hasan upper surface 652U, a lower surface 652L, a leading end 614, atrailing end 618, an opening 620 and an appendage 622. The opening islocated proximate to the leading edge 638 of the adhesive strip so thatthe adhesive on the lower surface of the adhesive strip does not comeinto contact with either the upper sheet or the lower sheet duringremoval of the adhesive strip from the package. It should be noted thatfor the sake of clarity, the drawings depict the leading edge of theadhesive strip as set back from the opening. The adhesive strip isreleasably attached to the release liner. The adhesive strip is heldwithin the package by the pull cover and/or the release liner. Theadhesive strip is preferably suitable for medical applications, but isnot limited to such, and has an optional wound pad 628 attached thereto.

The pull cover 606 has a first tab 630, which is suitable for grasping.The pull cover is partially inserted through the opening 620 of theupper sheet 652 so that the first tab extends beyond the exterior of thepackage 650, such that the pull cover and/or the first tab may begrasped by a user. The pull cover is releasably attached to the adhesivestrip 624 proximate to the leading edge 638 of the adhesive strip sothat the leading edge of the adhesive strip peels away from the releaseliner when the pull cover is slidably displaced relative to the package.A pull tab 648 suitable for grasping is attached to the pull cover andis located in the interior of the package opposite the first tab. Inalternative embodiments, the adhesive strip includes a carrier sheet. Inyet other alternative embodiments, the pull cover is formed integrallywith the optional carrier.

The pull cover is releasably attached to the upper sheet's appendage 622using an low-tactile adhesive so as to form a peel stress type bond. Thepull cover is also attached to the upper surface 652U of the upper sheetat the exterior bond 660 using a low-tactile adhesive as describedelsewhere in this document. Depending upon application, the exteriorbond may be broken using either or both peel or shear-type stress. Forexample, when opening the package, the exterior portion of the pullcover may be peeled away from the upper sheet before the pull cover isslidably removed from the package or the pull cover may be slidablypulled in a direction opposite that of the second tab, thus breaking theexterior bond using a shear-type force. An optional lower attachment tab(not shown) can be used to secure the pull cover to the lower sheet. Ifused, the lower attachment tab (as shown elsewhere in this invention)can overlap the opening so as to seal the interior of the package, but,should be carefully positioned so that it has enough room to move as itreleases itself from either the lower sheet or the pull cover.Additionally, if the lower attachment tab is used, it should be placedaccordingly so that it does not contact the adhesive on the lowersurface of the flexible strip.

A detailed top-view illustration of the adhesive strip or bandage anddispenser package of FIG. 17 with the upper sheet peeled back is shownin FIG. 18. Those portions of the pull cover 606 which must pass throughthe opening 620 are as wide as, or narrower than, the length L of theopening so that the pull cover can pass through the opening withoutundue force. Likewise, the carrier 626 (if present), the adhesive strip624 and the release liner 658 should be as wide as or narrower than thelength L of the opening so that they can pass through the openingwithout undue force. Alternatively, if the upper sheet 652 is made froma material which can yield or rip easily, then the pull cover, theadhesive strip 624 and/or the release liner 658 may be wider than thelength L of the opening but not so wide as to require undue force whenthe package is opened. The length L of the opening should be sizedsufficiently so that the adhesive strip, the interior portions of thepull cover and the release liner can pass through the opening withoutrequiring undue force. In alternative embodiments, the exterior portionof the pull cover (which does not pass through the opening when theadhesive strips are dispensed), may be wider than the length L of theopening and releasably attached to upper sheet so that it seals theinterior cavity of the package. In yet other alternative embodiments,the exterior portion of the pull cover can be folded over itself andreleasably attached to the upper surface of the upper sheet so that thepull cover completely seals the opening of the package.

An optional weakened line (e.g., a scored or perforated line) is placedtransversely across the release liner so that all, or part of, therelease liner may be removed from the lower sheet 654 after the adhesivestrip is removed from the release liner. In an alternative embodiment,the release liner can be releasably attached to the lower sheet using areleasable adhesive which would keep the release liner attached to thelower sheet until after the adhesive strip is removed from the packageafter which the release liner can be separated from the lower sheet.

The appendage 622 is formed by cutting the upper sheet on three sidesalong the perimeter of the opening and then folding the excess materialback upon itself so as to form the appendage. Alternatively, anattachment tab, as described elsewhere in the invention can be used. Themethods used to attach the pull cover to the upper sheet and the lowersheet, the upper sheet to the lower sheet, and the release liner to thelower sheet, are similar to those described elsewhere in this invention.

In alternative embodiments the side exterior portions of the pull coverextend over the sides of the opening for sealing the interior of thepackage. The pull cover superposes and is releasably attached to thoseportions of the upper sheet around the circumference of the opening. Forexample, the exterior portion of the pull cover is wider than theopening and is extended, folded over itself, and releasably attached tothe upper sheet so as to seal the interior of the package. In optionalembodiments, either or both the upper sheet and/or the lower sheet canbe extended so as to form a plurality of packages.

A cross-sectional view illustration of the adhesive strip or bandage anddispenser package according to an eighth alternative embodiment of thepresent invention using an integral upper sheet and pull cover is shownin FIG. 19. The package 680 comprises an upper sheet 682, a lower sheet684, a pull cover 686, and a release liner 688. An adhesive strip 690 iscontained within the package 680. The lower sheet 684 has a leading end692, and a trailing end 694. The upper sheet 682 has a leading end 696,a trailing end 698, weakened lines 700 which define the two longitudinalsides of an opening.

The adhesive strip 690 is releasably attached to the release liner 688.A carrier 706 is releasably laminated upon the adhesive strip. An innerpull cover 704 (which is similar to the pull covers as describedelsewhere in this document) is formed integrally with a carrier from thesame sheet of material, and is releasably attached to the adhesive strip(as described elsewhere in this invention). The inner pull cover shouldnot be as wide as the upper sheet 682 so that the upper sheet can besealed to itself around the outer perimeter of the pull cover as shown.The release liner is attached to the lower sheet. An optional wound pad702 can be attached to the adhesive strip.

The upper sheet superposes, and is attached to, the lower sheet so as toform a cavity for enclosing the adhesive strip and an optional secondtab 664. The pull cover 686 is formed by folding an area of the uppersheet between the weakened lines 700 (e.g., scoring, perforating, etc.)around the inner pull cover and laminating it thereto using any suitablemeans (e.g., pressure or adhesive, etc.) to form a pull cover whichextends so as to form a first tab 662 suitable for grasping. The openingis defined by the weakened lines 700 which are placed proximate to theleading edge 710 of the adhesive strip and extend transversely acrossthe width of the upper sheet. The opening should be large enough so thatthe inner pull cover, the adhesive strip, the release liner, the woundpad and the carrier 706 can pass through it without undue force.Depending upon the flexibility of the release liner, it may be desirableto provide a fold or weakened line (e.g., a score or perforation) in therelease liner, at a location that is somewhere between the leading edgeof the adhesive strip and where the release liner is attached to eitheror both the lower sheet and/or the upper sheet so that the release linercan fold easily over itself when the bandage is removed from thepackage. The upper sheet is optionally attached to the release liner.

Although the pull cover is shown extending outward at an angle from theupper sheet, the pull cover can also lie flat against the upper sheet,be folded over itself, etc. as desired. The methods used to attach thelower sheet to the upper sheet and the release liner; the adhesive stripto the release liner and carrier and/or pull cover combination; aresimilar to those described elsewhere in this invention. In alternativeembodiments, the release liner can be folded proximate to the leadingedge of the adhesive strip and is attached to the lower sheet, as shownand described elsewhere in this document; the pull cover may not beformed integrally with the optional carrier; the bandage may not have acarrier laminated upon it; and the upper sheet may be folded around thepull cover and not bonded to it.

A cross-sectional view illustration of the adhesive strip or bandage anddispenser package of FIG. 19 as it is being opened and the bandagecontained within is removed is shown in FIG. 20. The package 680 is heldby a holding means (e.g., the user holding the second tab 664 or adispenser holding either or both the upper sheet and/or the lowersheet). The first tab 662 and/or pull cover 686 is pulled in a direction(as indicated by arrow R for illustration) substantially opposite thatof the trailing end 694 (and the optional second tab 664) of the lowersheet which causes the upper sheet 682 to break apart at the weakenedlines 700 thus forming an opening which is defined by transverse lines708 (which extend across the width of the upper sheet). The adhesivestrip 690 and the attached interior portion of the inner pull cover 704,the attached release liner 688 and the optional carrier 706 are pulledthrough the opening 708. The release liner begins to separate from theadhesive strip and continues separating until the adhesive strip fullydetaches from the release liner. The adhesive strip is applied asdescribed in other embodiments of this invention.

A detailed cross sectional view illustration of the adhesive strip orbandage and dispenser package of FIG. 19 with an first alternate pullcover is shown in FIG. 21. The package 770 is essentially similar tothat shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 above, with a difference being that thepull cover 772 is formed from a separate sheet of material than theupper sheet 774. The upper sheet has an opening (which is defined by twotransverse lines 780) which extends across the width of the upper sheet.The pull cover is laminated upon the inner pull cover 776 and releasablyattached to the outer surface of the upper sheet using an adhesive orother bonding method as is know in the art and described elsewhere inthis document. The pull cover extends transversely across the width ofthe upper sheet so that it fully encloses the opening. The pull coveralso extends so as to form a first tab 778 which is suitable forgrasping.

A detailed cross sectional view illustration of the adhesive strip orbandage and dispenser package of FIG. 19 having a second alternativeembodiment of the pull cover is shown in FIG. 22. The package 782 isessentially similar to that shown in FIG. 21 above, with a differencebeing that the opening is defined by longitudinal sides 784 (only oneside is shown) and intersecting transverse sides 786 (as opposed totransverse sides 780 only as shown in FIG. 21). The pull cover 788 isformed from a separate sheet of material than the upper sheet 790. Thepull cover is laminated upon the inner pull cover 796 and releasablyattached to the outer surface of the upper sheet using an adhesive orother bonding method as is know in the art and described elsewhere inthis invention. The pull cover extends transversely across the width ofthe upper sheet so that it fully encloses the opening. The pull cover792 also extends so as to form a first tab 794 which is suitable forgrasping.

A detailed cross sectional view illustration of the adhesive strip orbandage and dispenser package of FIG. 19 having a third alternativeembodiment of the pull cover is shown in FIG. 23. The package 796 isessentially similar to that shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 above, with adifference being that the pull cover 798 is releasably attached to theupper surface of the upper sheet 800 adjacent to the first end of 802 ofthe pull cover using an shear-type bond (e.g., a low tactile adhesive).The pull cover is releasably attached to the upper sheet adjacent to thesecond end 804 of the pull cover at weakened line 806 (e.g., scoring,perforating, etc.). The opening is defined on one side by the transverseside 808 and on the other side by the weakened line both of which extendacross the width of the upper sheet. The pull cover is laminated uponthe inner pull cover 810 as described above. The pull cover extendstransversely across the width of the upper sheet so that it fullyencloses the opening. The pull cover also extends so as to form a firsttab 812 which is suitable for grasping.

In alternative embodiments, the weakened line is removed so that thepull cover extends to the leading end of the lower sheet. The pull coveris attached to the lower sheet using an adhesive. The opening is thendefined by the transverse line and the other side by a releasableadhesive bond which joins the pull cover to the lower sheet.

A perspective view illustration of an individual package of the presentinvention as it is opened and the adhesive strip being removed from thepackage is shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B. The package 570 is held by thefirst and second tabs 572, 574, respectively. The user then pulls thefirst and second tabs in opposite directions, which causes the pullcover 576 to break its bond with the upper sheet 578 and the lower sheet580. The flexible strip (or bandage) 582 then separates from the releaseliner 584 beginning at the leading edge of the flexible strip (orbandage) and continues separating until the flexible strip (or bandage)fully detaches from the release liner. During the separation of theflexible strip (or bandage) from the release liner, the release linerfolds over itself and is pulled out of the envelope formed by the upperand lower sheets. After the pull cover and the attached flexible strip(or bandage) are separated from the upper sheet, the lower sheet and therelease liner, the flexible strip (or bandage) is applied to the desiredsurface with the aid of the pull cover, the first tab and any otheroptional holding means. The flexible strip (or bandage) is then appliedto the desired surface.

A perspective view illustration of a pull cover being removed from anadhesive strip of the present invention that has been applied to auser's hand is shown in FIG. 24C. The pull cover 576 is removed bypulling the pull tab 586 so that the pull cover is pulled back overitself and separated from the bandage 582. The pull cover is thendiscarded. If a single package is used alone, the package is thendiscarded. Alternatively, if a dispenser pack is used, then the releaseliner is optionally separated from the remainder of the package anddiscarded.

The present invention provides several schemes for dispensing aplurality of flexible strips, adhesive strips, bandages, or otherelements, as described elsewhere in this document, from a dispensingpack. These are illustrated in FIGS. 25 through 45B. The dispensing packcomprises a plurality of packages arranged in rows so as to form adispensing pack. It should further be noted that the rows can bestaggered, if desired. Each scheme will now be described in more detail.

A perspective view illustration of a first embodiment of a dispensingpack is shown in FIG. 25. A plurality of packages 374 are aligned alongtheir longitudinal axis in the same or substantially the same plane(which may include a curved plane). A means for holding individualpackages functions to hold the packages in close proximity to oneanother. A suitable means for holding individual packages in alignmentcomprises a continuous upper sheet 376 and/or lower sheet 378 longenough such that multiple packages can be mounted thereto. Arigidity-enhancing means is associated with either the lower sheet orthe upper sheet. In an alternative embodiment, either the lower sheet orthe upper sheet is constructed from a substantially rigid material. Ameans for holding the dispensing pack 372 is used to hold the dispensingpack in position for dispensing the adhesive strips. If a suitable meansfor holding the dispensing pack is employed, then the second tab may beomitted.

A perspective view illustration of a second embodiment of a dispensingpack is shown in FIG. 26. The dispensing pack 382 comprises a continuousroll sheet of material upon which a plurality of packages 384 arealigned and attached along their lateral axis. The first tab 388 extendssuch that the user can easily grasp it. The lower sheet 386 is formedintegrally from the continuous roll sheet material. The continuous rolldispensing pack can be placed within a dispenser adapted to support andcontain the continuous roll dispensing pack.

A perspective view illustration of a dispenser suitable for use with thecontinuous roll dispensing pack (as illustrated in FIGS. 26 and 28) isshown in FIG. 27. The continuous roll dispensing pack 382 is placedwithin a dispenser 394 such that individual adhesive strips may bedispensed. The packages are torn off after use. The manufacture ofdispensers are well known in the art.

A perspective view illustration of the dispensing pack of FIG. 26 usinga continuous upper and lower sheet is seen in FIG. 28. This embodimentis similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 26 with a differencebeing the use of a continuous upper sheet 590 rather than individualupper sheets. The dispensing pack 600 comprises a continuous upper sheetand a continuous lower sheet. A pull cover 592 is placed in a pull coveropening 594 so that the first tab 596 protrudes out of the pull coveropening to enable a user to easily grasp it. The pull cover, adhesivestrip, release liner and optional carrier are narrower than the pullcover opening so that the pull cover, adhesive strip, release liner andoptional carrier easily pass through the pull cover opening when thepackage 598 is opened and the adhesive strip therein is removed.Likewise, the pull cover opening should be of sufficient size so as toallow the pull cover, the adhesive strip, the release liner and theoptional carrier to easily pass through it when the package is openedand the adhesive strip contained within the package is removed. Anoptional blocking member is used to control the thickness of thepackage. The upper sheet is formed from a thin, flexible, polymer whichis resistant to tearing, but may also be formed from other materials asdescribed elsewhere in this invention. An optional dispensing pack, suchas that which is shown in FIG. 27 above, is used to dispense theindividual bandages. Alternatively, the dispensing pack would have anoptional take-up means, such as a spool or a reel, which would take-upthe empty packages. Dispensers which use take-up reels are known in theart and are used in numerous types of dispensers such as correction-tapedispensers (such as Correct-Tape™) as well as in adhesive-filmdispensers (such as the Easy-Stick Roller™ manufactured by Manco, Inc.,Avon, Ohio). Such dispensers are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,851,076,to Manusch et al., entitled “Adhesive film applicator.” If a take-upspool is used, then it is preferred that the lower sheets make an acuteangle bend somewhere between the dispensing pack and the take-up spool.The pull covers then extend beyond the upper and lower sheets at thebend making it more convenient to grasp them.

In alternative embodiments, that section of the first tab which does nothave to pass through the pull cover opening may be wider than the pullcover opening. Furthermore, if desired, the pull cover and/or first tabis shaped and sized such that the exterior portions are larger than thepull cover opening such that the exterior portions can sealed around theperimeter of the pull cover opening so as to maintain sterility withinthe inner envelope wherein the adhesive strip is located.

A perspective view illustration of an alternative dispenser that uses anexternal guide means suitable for use with the continuous rolldispensing packs of FIGS. 26 and 28 is shown in FIG. 29. The continuousroll dispensing pack 600 is placed within a dispenser 602 such thatindividual adhesive strips can be dispensed by pulling on the individualfirst tabs 596. After an adhesive strip is dispensed, a new package ispulled into place and the empty packages 604 are directed through aguide means 608, and if desired, cut by pulling the empty packagesagainst a cutting means 610. The cutting means may comprise a serratedmetal strip. Alternatively, the continuous upper sheet and thecontinuous lower sheet are scored or perforated so that they can beeasily torn. Dispensers are well known in the art. In alternativeembodiments, the continuous roll dispensing pack can be placed within asupply spool/take-up spool dispenser (not shown).

A perspective view illustration of the dispensing pack of FIG. 26 usinga continuous upper sheet with an integral pull cover and a continuouslower sheet is shown in FIG. 30. This embodiment is similar to theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 26 with a difference being the use of acontinuous upper sheet 640 having an integral pull cover 642 rather thanindividual upper sheets. The individual packages 644, which form thedispensing pack 646, are similar to those shown in FIG. 19 describedhereinabove. An optional blocking member is used to control the packagethickness. An optional dispensing pack, such as that which is shown inFIGS. 27 and 29 described supra, is used to dispense the individualbandages. Alternatively, the dispensing pack may have an optionaltake-up means, such as a spool or a reel, which takes up the emptypackages.

A perspective view illustration of a third embodiment of a dispensingpack is shown in FIG. 31. The dispensing pack 398 is formed from aplurality of substantially superimposed packages 400, which are attachedto or aligned with one another. The individual packages 400 are formedfrom one or more sheets of material either attached to each other, heldadjacent to each other or folded in an accordion-like fashion so as toform a plurality of individual packages. In one embodiment, thedispensing pack is constructed from a single sheet of material folded inan accordion-like fashion, so as to form both the upper sheet 402 andthe lower sheet 404 of the package. In another embodiment, thedispensing pack is formed from a single sheet of material that forms thelower sheet. The upper sheet is formed from individual sheets that areattached to the continuous sheet so as to form the package. In anotherembodiment, the dispensing pack is formed from two continuous sheets ofmaterial that are folded in an accordion-like fashion so as to form thepackages. One sheet of material forms the upper sheet, while the othersheet forms the lower sheet. In mother embodiment, the dispensing packis formed from individual packages which are aligned with and stackedupon each other. In all embodiments of the dispensing pack 398 theindividual sheets may be folded either along their longitudinal orlateral axis. In other alternative embodiments, in order to avoidsubstantial package deformation, the individual packages are held inclose proximity by a holding means, which positions the packages in adesired location. Suitable holding means may comprise adhesive, staplesor other means which position individual packages in a desired position(e.g., a piece of paper bonded to several individual packages to form adispensing pack). In alternative embodiments, either or both the uppersheet and/or the lower sheet are extended. A plurality of packages arethen superimposed upon each other and held in position by a staple whichis inserted proximate to the second tab of the package.

A front side view illustration of a fourth embodiment of a dispensingpack adapted to dispense adhesive strips from opposing sides is shown inFIG. 32. The individual packages 410 that comprise the dispensing pack412 are located with their pull covers 414 opposing each other such thatthe adhesive strips or bandages which are adjacent to each other aredispensed from opposite ends of the dispensing pack. Additionally, ifdifferent-sized adhesive strips or bandages are used, then to aid theuser in discerning the size of the adhesive strip or bandage, theindividual packages that make up the dispensing pack are located withthe pull covers opposing each other such that different-sized adhesivestrips or bandages are located on and dispensed from opposite ends ofthe dispensing pack.

Although the dispensing pack may, if desired, dispense individualadhesive strips without the aid of a suitable container means, it ispreferable that the dispensing pack dispense adhesive strips whilecontained within a suitable container means, as illustrated anddescribed hereinbelow.

A perspective view illustration of the adhesive strip with a one-piececarrier member and pull cover as used in the dispensing pack of FIG. 34is shown in FIG. 33. The adhesive strip 426 has a carrier 430 bondedthereto. The carrier, pull cover 432, first tab 434 and pull tab 438 areformed integrally from the same sheet of material. A wound pad 436 isshown attached to the adhesive strip. In alternate embodiments, the pullcover is not necessarily formed from the same sheet of material as theoptional carrier.

An exploded perspective view illustration of a dispensing pack with anoptional blocking member and a one-piece carrier and pull-cover assemblyis shown in FIG. 34. The dispensing pack 420 is constructed from asingle sheet of material folded in an accordion-like fashion to formboth the upper sheet 422 and the lower sheet 424 of the package. Withoutlimitation, the pull cover 432 is releasably attached to the upper sheetand the lower sheet using a peel-stress-type bond which preferably usesappendages as is discussed elsewhere in this invention. Alternatively,the pull cover may be attached to the upper sheet using other suitablemethods as are described elsewhere in this document.

The dispensing pack contains an adhesive strip (or bandage) 426 in everyother fold. Alternatively, to increase packaging efficiency, thedispensing pack may comprise an adhesive strip (or bandage) in eachfold. Additionally, the dispensing pack may also dispense adhesivestrips (or bandages) of various sizes and shapes. The optional blockingmember 428 (only one is shown for clarity) is used to control the shapeand thickness of the dispensing pack. It can be used in any or all foldsas desired. Blocking members are well known in the art. The second tabis optional and for the most part unnecessary. For example only, theadhesive strip is shown with a carrier 430. Adhesive strips, asdescribed elsewhere in this invention, or other suitable adhesivestrips, may also be used.

An exploded perspective view illustration of a dispensing pack with anoptional blocking member and a one-piece carrier and pull-cover assemblywith adhesive strips placed in each fold is shown in FIG. 35. Thisembodiment is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 34 with adifference being the insertion of an adhesive strip 442 (and attachedrelease liner) in each fold rather than every other fold. The dispensingpack 440 is formed from a single sheet of material that is folded in anaccordion-like fashion, so as to form both the upper sheet 446 and thelower sheet 448 of the package. Because of the efficiency of thisembodiment, the adjacent interior packages share upper sheets 446N andlower sheets 448N, thus requiring approximately half the amount ofmaterial for manufacturing the upper sheets and lower sheets as comparedwith other embodiments which place adhesive strips in every other fold.

Without limitation, the pull cover is adapted to be releasably attachedto the upper sheet using a peel-stress-type bond that preferably uses anappendage and is releasably attached to the lower sheet using apeel-stress-type bond that preferably uses an attachment tab.Alternatively, the pull cover can be attached to the upper sheet usingother suitable methods as are described elsewhere in this document. Thedispensing pack 440 comprises an adhesive strip (or bandage) 442 inevery fold. Additionally, the dispensing pack 440 may also dispenseadhesive strips (or bandages) of various sizes and shapes. The optionalblocking member 450 is used to control the shape and thickness of thedispensing pack. It can be used in any or all folds as desired. Blockingmembers are well known in the art. For purposes of illustration, theadhesive strip is shown with a carrier 452. Adhesive strips, asdescribed elsewhere in this invention, or other suitable adhesivestrips, may also be used.

An exploded perspective view illustration of a dispensing pack with anoptional blocking member and a one-piece carrier and pull-cover assemblywith adhesive strips placed in each fold is shown in FIG. 36. Thisembodiment is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 35 with adifference being the insertion of two adhesive strips 458 (and theattached release liners) between each fold rather than one. Thedispensing pack 460 comprises a single sheet of material (also known asthe continuous lower sheet 462C) that is folded in an accordion-likefashion so as to form the lower sheets 462. The upper sheets 464 areformed from individual sheets that are placed between the folds of thecontinuous lower sheet 462C to form individual packages within thedispensing pack. The adjacent interior packages share upper sheets andlower sheets, thus greatly reducing the amount of material needed toproduce the dispensing pack for any given number of adhesive strips.Without limitation, the pull cover 470 is releasably attached to theupper sheet and the lower sheet using a peel-stress-type bond whichpreferably uses attachment tabs 472 (not all of which are shown).Alternatively, the pull cover may be attached to the upper sheet usingother suitable methods as are described elsewhere in this document.Additionally, the dispensing pack may also dispense adhesive strips (orbandages) of various sizes and shapes. The optional blocking member 466is used to control the shape and thickness of the dispensing pack. Itcan be used in any or all folds as desired. Blocking members are wellknown in the art. For purposes of illustration, the adhesive strip isshown with a carrier 468. Adhesive strips, as described elsewhere inthis invention, or other suitable adhesive strips, may also be used.

An exploded perspective view illustration of a dispensing pack which isadapted to dispense adhesive strips from opposing sides is shown in FIG.37. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 34with a difference being the insertion of an adhesive strip 476 (andattached release liner) in each fold rather than in every other fold.The individual adhesive strips (or bandages) 476 are located in foldssuch that the adhesive strips (or bandages) which are adjacent to eachother are dispensed from opposite ends of the dispensing pack 478. Thedispensing pack is constructed from a single sheet of material that isfolded in an accordion-like fashion, so as to form both the upper sheetand the lower sheet of the package. Because of the efficiency of thisembodiment, the adjacent interior packages share upper sheets and lowersheets, thus requiring approximately half the amount of material formanufacturing the upper sheets and lower sheets as compared with otherembodiments which place adhesive strips in every other fold. Withoutlimitation, the pull cover 484 is releasably attached to both the uppersheet and the lower sheet using a peel-stress-type bond that preferablyuses an appendage. Alternatively, the pull cover may be attached to theupper sheet using other suitable methods as are described elsewhere inthis document. Additionally, the dispensing pack may also dispenseadhesive strips (or bandages) of various sizes and shapes. An optionalblocking member (not shown) can be used to control the shape andthickness of the dispensing pack. It can be used in any or all folds asdesired. Blocking members are well known in the art. For purposes ofillustration only, the adhesive strip is shown with a carrier 488.Adhesive strips, as described elsewhere in this document, or othersuitable adhesive strips, may also be used.

An exploded perspective view illustration of a dispensing pack with anoptional blocking member and a one-piece carrier and pull-cover assemblyis shown in FIG. 38. The dispensing pack 492 is formed from a singlesheet of material 494 that is folded in an accordion-like fashion (alongits lateral axis), so as to form both the upper sheet 504 and the lowersheet 506 of the package. The pull cover 496 and adhesive strip 498(with the release liner 500 attached) are placed in the folds and areheld in place by an attachment means, such as the attachment tabs 502.The attachment tab is attached to the pull cover and the adjacent uppersheet and lower sheet as discussed elsewhere in this document.Alternatively, the pull cover may be attached to both the upper sheetand the lower sheet using other suitable methods as are describedelsewhere in this document. The dispensing pack is sealed using apressure-sensitive adhesive, thermal sealing or other suitable sealingmethods, as discussed elsewhere in this document.

The dispensing pack contains an adhesive strip (or bandage) 498 in everyfold. Alternatively, the dispensing pack may contain an adhesive strip(or bandage) in every other fold. Additionally, the dispensing pack mayalso dispense adhesive strips (or bandages) of various sizes and shapes.An optional blocking member (not shown) is used to control the shape andthickness of the dispensing pack. It may be used in any or all folds asdesired. Blocking members are well known in the art. An optionaladhesive pad is provided. In embodiments that place the adhesive stripin every other fold, the second tab is optional. In embodiments that usea dispensing pack, the second tab is not present. In alternateembodiments, the adhesive strip comprises a carrier member. Adhesivestrips, as described elsewhere in this document, or other suitableadhesive strips, may also be used.

A perspective view illustration of a first embodiment of a containermeans which uses “flip-box” is shown in FIG. 39. The container 512 is afolding-top-type box (also known as “flip-box”) which comprises a body514 and an attached lid 516. The container comprises one or moredispensing packs 518, wherein each dispensing pack comprises a pluralityof packages 520 placed such that the pull covers 522 and adhesive stripsare easily removed from the package. The lid is hingedly attached to thebody of the container such that the pull covers (and/or first tabs 524)are easily grasped by the user when the lid 516 is opened. Thedispensing pack is preferably attached to the body of the containerusing a heat glue or other suitable means (such as a locking-tab typemechanism). Such devices are commonly known as cigarette packages, andmore particularly as “hard-packs,” “crush-proof boxes,” or “hinged-lidpackages.” See for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,852,734 and 3,874,581.

A perspective view illustration of a second embodiment of a containerassembly incorporating a sliding-box is shown in FIG. 40. Thesliding-box-type container 530 (hereinafter sliding-box) comprises oneor more dispensing packs 532. The sliding-box and its structure are wellknown in the art. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,080,227, to Focke,entitled “Pack made of thin cardboard, especially for cigarettes,”incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The sliding-boxcontainer comprises an inner section 534 (also known as a “box part”)and an outer section 536 (also known as a “casing”) both of which areslideably located relative to each other. The inner section holds thedispensing pack such that the individual first tabs 538 are easy tograsp. The dispensing pack is preferably attached to the inner sectionusing a suitable means such as an adhesive (e.g. heat glue), or alocking-tab means. The inner section slides into a void located in theouter section. The inner section includes an opening that allows theuser to grasp the first tab or the pull cover 540. In the preferredembodiment the first tabs and the pull covers are made from a flexiblematerial, and either or both of them extend slightly beyond the top 542of the inner section so that the first tabs are easy to grasp by theuser. The first tabs and/or the pull covers preferably include an anglecut into the side that contacts the upper opposed end 544 of the outersection so that the first tabs and/or the pull covers fold slightly andallow the outer section to enclose the inner section when the slide-boxtype container is closed. In use, the inner section extends outward fromthe outer section enough so as to fully expose the individual first tabsand/or the pull covers of dispensing pack.

A semi-cutaway perspective view illustration of a third embodiment of acontainer assembly is shown in FIG. 41. The container 550 is a flexiblecover that encloses the dispensing pack 552. Such packages are wellknown in the art and are often referred to as “soft-packs.” Thecontainer comprises a tear tab 554 which works with a tear cord 556located adjacent to the tear tab as shown. To open the package, the teartab is pulled back over itself so that the container cover 558 is eitheropened or removed from the container which exposes the first tabs 560and allows for the user to remove the pull cover 562 and adhesive stripfrom the dispensing pack.

A perspective view illustration of a fourth embodiment of a containerassembly incorporating a flip-cover-type box with the cover being in theclosed position is shown in FIG. 42A. The flip cover type (ormatchbook-like) container 820 is wrapped around and encloses one or moredispensing packs 828. The container is constructed from a single sheetof material (e.g., thin cardboard) folded to form a back cover 824 and are-sealable front cover 822. The dispensing pack is secured to the backcover using a fastener such as a staple 826 or other suitable means suchas adhesive.

A side view illustration of the container assembly of FIG. 42A, is drownin FIG. 42B. The front cover 822 is retained in the closed position by aportion of the back cover 824 which wraps around and is attached to thedispensing pack.

A perspective view illustration of the container assembly of FIG. 42Awith the cover being in a semi-open position is shown in FIG. 42C. Thefront cover 822 is rotatably located relative to the back cover 824 suchthat the front cover is able to swing in excess of 180 degrees (andpreferably swings about 270 degrees or more) from the front cover'sclosed position, so that the front cover does not come into contact withthe adhesive strips as they are being removed from the dispensing pack.Additionally, the front cover is preferably adapted to allow easy accessto the pull covers 830.

A perspective view illustration of a fifth embodiment of a containerassembly incorporating a flip cover type box including side members,with the cover and one side member being in the semi-open position isshown in FIG. 43A. The flip cover type container 832 is substantiallysimilar to the flip cover type container illustrated in FIGS. 42 through42C described supra, with a difference being the addition of sidemembers 834 which are articulated to the rear cover 836.

A perspective view illustration of the container assembly of FIG. 43Awith side members secured to each other is shown in FIG. 43B. The sidemembers 834 are folded around the dispensing packs 838 and are securedto each other using a suitable attachment means (e.g., a tab, adhesive,adhesive tape, staple, pressure bond, etc.) so that they conceal thedispensing pack contained within the container assembly 832. Inalternative embodiments, side members are attached to the rear cover 836using a weakened line (e.g., scoring or perforating) so that the sidemember can be removed after the container assembly is initially opened.

A perspective view illustration of the container assembly of FIG. 43Awith the cover in the closed position is shown in FIG. 43C. The sidemembers 834 conceal and secure the dispensing packs 838 held within thecontainer assembly 832 thus making the container assembly suitable forstore-displays and merchandising fixtures without requiring additionalpackaging materials. The dispenser assembly 832 may optionally beoriented in the vertical position for hanging on display rails, storagerails or posts.

A perspective view illustration of a sixth embodiment of a containerassembly incorporating a flexible outer wrapper having a body portionand a removable top portion is shown in FIG. 44A. The container assembly840 comprises a flexible body portion 842 and a removable top portion844. The flexible body portion is formed from a flexible sheet ofmaterial (e.g., treated paper) wrapped around and securely attached to aplurality of packages to form a dispensing pack. The flexible bodyportion comprises an open end 852 and a closed end 850. The closed endof the body portion is flattened and attached to itself (using adhesive,etc.) to seal one end of the body portion and to form a first holdingtab 848 which is suitable for grasping. The pull tabs 846 of thedispensing pack extend outward from the open end of the body portion sothat they are easy to grasp. The dispensing pack is secured to the bodyportion using any suitable method (e.g., adhesive, staples, pressure,etc.).

The top portion comprises a flexible cylindrical member having an openend 854 and a closed end 856. The top portion is constructed from thesame material as the body portion. The closed end of the top portion isflattened and attached to itself (using adhesive, etc.) so as to sealone end of the top portion and to form a second holding tab 858 which issuitable for grasping. The open end of the top portion has an innercircumference which is slightly larger than the exterior circumferenceof the body portion so that the cover portion can be slidably attachedto the body portion. In alternative embodiments the top portion may havea slight conical form to better secure the top portion to the bodyportion.

In alternative embodiments, the closed end of the top portion comprisesa weakened line (e.g., scoring, perforating or adhesive) so that theclosed end can be opened. In use, the pull tabs are accessed by slidablyrepositioned the top portion along the longitudinal axis of the bodyportion so that the pull tabs of the dispensing pack extend outward fromthe now open closed end of the top portion.

A perspective view illustration of the container assembly of FIG. 44Awith the top portion removed is shown in FIG. 44B. Removing the topportion exposes, and allows easy access to, the pull covers of thedispensing pack contained within the body portion.

A perspective view illustration of a seventh embodiment of a containerassembly incorporating a semi-rigid body portion and a re-sealable coverin the closed and open positions respectively, is shown in FIGS. 45A and45B. The container 860 comprises a body 862 with a re-sealable cover864. The container comprises one or more dispensing packs 870, whereineach dispensing pack contains a plurality of packages, situated suchthat the pull covers 868 and adhesive strips are easily removed from thepackage. The cover is articulated with the body of the container suchthat the pull covers (and/or first tabs) are easily grasped by the userwhen the cover is opened. The dispensing pack is attached to the bodyusing an suitable method (e.g., staples 866, adhesive, pressure bonding,etc.). A slot 872 is provided to releasably secure the cover in theclosed position. Alternatively, a re-sealable adhesive or other suitablemethod can be used. An optional U-shaped slit (not shown) is providedbetween the body and the cover to prevent the cover from folding backupon itself during removal of the adhesive strips from the dispensingpack.

Other alternative embodiments of the container means are envisioned foruse with either the sheet or the roll form dispensing packs as shown anddescribed above. For example, the roll form dispenser can be used incombination with a suitable dispenser such as shown in FIG. 3 of U.S.Pat. No. 5,891,078, to Turngren, entitled “Sterile adhesive bandage andassociated methods,” incorporated herein by reference in its entirety orwith other suitable roll dispensers as are commonly known in the art.

It should be appreciated that the present invention, either alone, in adispensing pack or with a dispensing pack and an optional container, iswell suited for use by medical emergency personnel and others such assoldiers and pilots who have limited time to open a conventional packageand remove a release liner, especially under urgent conditions orconditions which allow use of only a single hand. In other embodiments,the package may be constructed from waterproof materials so that it doesnot have to be enclosed in a container to maintain sterility.

The particular materials which may be employed in the practice of thisinvention are well known in the art. Preferably, the upper aid lowersheets are constructed from paper of the same type as is now commonlyused to wrap bandages or materials of similar nature. The release lineris preferably constructed from paper which is coated (or treated) on atleast one side with a release material, the reverse side being suitablefor adhering to the lower sheet. In many embodiments, the bandage itselfis known and may be constructed from cloth, plastic, polyester,polyurethane, foam, film, fibrous webs, woven webs or any other suitablematerial or any combination thereof.

Furthermore, the flexible strip may be made from a combination ofmaterials to obtain the desired properties. For example, the flexiblestrip, the absorbent pad or the adhesive coating on the surface of theflexible strip may be treated so as to possess antimicrobial properties.Such inventions are disclosed in the following: U.S. Pat. No. 4,728,323,to Matson, entitled “Antimicrobial wound dressings,” U.S. Pat. No.4,323,557, to Rosso, et al., entitled “pressure-sensitive adhesivecontaining iodine” and U.S. Pat. No. 4,310,509, to Berglund, et al.,entitled “Pressure-sensitive adhesive having a broad spectrumantimicrobial therein” all of which are incorporated herein by referencein their entirety In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 5,976,117, to Dunshee,entitled “Wound dressing,” incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety, discloses a bandage which has at least two regions, one whichis proximate to the wound and encourages cell regeneration and providesa space for wound exudate and a second region which substantiallysurrounds the first region comprising an antimicrobial agent in anamount that is at least sufficient to inhibit or essentially preventmigration of microorganisms to the first region from the externalenvironment along the interface between the sheet material and the skinto which the sheet material has been adhered. Additionally, theabsorbent pad (also known as a wound pad) or the flexible strip may betreated with a medicament or an antimicrobial film. Furthermore, theabsorbent pad may be used for transdermal drug delivery or chemicalindicators (used for monitoring). It will also be appreciated that theadhesive that is used in adhesive strips and bandages is preferably adermatologically acceptable pressure-sensitive adhesive.

Other examples of adhesive strips include a means for securing cathetertubes, etc. or may be made from laminated materials that possess thedesired properties.

Throughout this invention, it will be appreciated that the combinationformed by the release liner and the releasably attached flexible strip,adhesive strip or bandage can be folded (transversely across its width)to minimize the space required by the package as well as the amount ofpackaging materials used to manufacture the package. If an adhesivestrip and attached release liner are folded over then it is preferredthat the combination not be too rigid in order that the bandage can beremoved from the package without an undue amount of force. If using arigidity enhancing carrier or other laminates upon the adhesive stripthen care should be taken so that the laminates do not delaminate fromeach other. If using an adhesive strip then the adhesive strip ispreferably folded at or near its midpoint. Whereas, if using a bandagethen the bandage is preferably folded at a location that is somewherebetween the wound pad and the end that is furthest from the leading edgeof the bandage (before folding).

The user is further directed to the aforementioned U.S. Pat. Nos.5,160,315 and 4,472,480 (incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety) which describe the selection of release liners and carriersheets as well as the methods of bonding them to an adhesive strip.Furthermore, the user is directed to the Handbook of Pressure-SensitiveAdhesive Technology by Satas and Associates Publisher as well as the 3MProduct Selection Guide, Label Stocks, Laminating Adhesives andPrintable Tapes, Mar. 1, 1996. The user is further directed to thePressure Sensitive Tape Council, Northbrook, Ill., http://www.pstc.org,and to AIMCAL, Fort Mill, S.C., http://www.aimcal.org.

Certain additional advantages and features of this invention may beapparent to those skilled in the art upon studying the disclosure, ormay be experienced by persons employing the novel structure of thepresent package and dispenser, chief of which is that it minimizes therisk of touching and contaminating the absorbent pad. Other advantagesare quicker dispensing, easier application and reduction of the numberof individual components requiring disposal.

While the invention has been described with a limited number ofembodiments, it will be appreciated that changes may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the original claimed invention, and it isintended that all matter contained in the foregoing specification anddrawings be taken as illustrative and not in an exclusive sense.

1.-70. (canceled)
 71. An adhesive strip package apparatus, comprising: at least one dispensing pack comprising a plurality of packages superimposed upon each other, wherein at least one package of the plurality of packages comprises a tab portion having a first end suitable for grasping, an adhesive strip having an adhesive surface which is attached to the tab portion, and a release liner attached to the adhesive surface of the adhesive strip; and a cover portion comprising an open end, a closed end, and a cavity, the open end defining a circumference, the cavity being situated between the open end and the closed end and configured to hold the dispensing pack such that the tab portion extends outward from the opening, wherein the at least one package of the plurality of packages is configured such that pulling the tab portion causes the separation of the adhesive strip from the release liner and removal of the adhesive strip from the at least one dispensing pack.
 72. The apparatus according to claim 71, further comprising a wound pad attached to the adhesive strip.
 73. The apparatus according to claim 71, further comprising a top portion which is configured to cover the tab portion.
 74. The apparatus according to claim 73, wherein the top portion has a circumference which is larger than the circumference of the cover portion.
 75. The apparatus according to claim 71, wherein the adhesive strip comprises one or more of a medical bandage, a surgical drape, a nasal strip, and a medical testing device.
 76. The apparatus according to claim 71, wherein the adhesive strip further comprises one or more of a medicament, an antimicrobial, and a cell regeneration portion.
 77. The apparatus according to claim 71, wherein the adhesive strip further comprises a carrier configured to prevent curling of the adhesive strip.
 78. The apparatus according to claim 71, wherein the at least one of the plurality of packages further comprises a first sheet which forms at least part of an enclosure configured to contain the adhesive strip and release liner.
 79. The apparatus according to claim 78, wherein the release liner has a proximal end and a distal end, only one of which is attached to the first sheet.
 80. An adhesive strip package apparatus, comprising: a dispensing pack comprising a plurality of packages arranged in a configuration, each of the plurality of packages comprising: a release liner having a proximal end and a distal end, an adhesive strip having at least one adhesive surface which is attached to the release liner, a first sheet which forms at least part of an enclosure for holding the adhesive strip and which is configured to secure the proximal end of the release liner such that the distal end of the release liner can move relative to the first sheet, and a tab portion configured to be suitable for grasping and attached to the adhesive strip, wherein an act of pulling the tab portion causes the separation of adhesive strip from the release liner and the removal of the adhesive strip from the package.
 81. The apparatus according to claim 80, further comprising a wound pad attached to the adhesive strip.
 82. The apparatus according to claim 80, further comprising a top portion which is configured to cover the tab portion.
 83. The apparatus according to claim 80, wherein the adhesive strip comprises one or more of a medical bandage, a surgical drape, a nasal strip, and a medical testing device.
 84. The apparatus according to claim 80, wherein the adhesive strip further comprises one or more of a medicament, an antimicrobial, and a cell regeneration portion.
 85. The apparatus according to claim 80, wherein the adhesive strip further comprises a carrier configured to prevent curling of the adhesive strip.
 86. The apparatus according to claim 80, wherein the plurality of packages are substantially superimposed upon each other so as to form the configuration.
 87. The apparatus according to claim 80, wherein the plurality of packages are substantially superimposed upon each other so as to form the dispensing pack.
 88. An adhesive strip package apparatus, comprising: a plurality of packages forming a dispensing pack, each package of the plurality of packages comprising: an adhesive strip having at least one adhesive surface, and a tab suitable for grasping and which is attached to the adhesive strip; and an outer cover having a first end, a second end, and a cavity configured to hold the dispensing pack such that at least a part of the tab of each package is located outside of the cavity and at least a part of the adhesive strip of each package is located within the cavity, wherein an act of pulling the tab portion causes the separation of the adhesive strip from the release liner and the removal of the adhesive strip from the package.
 89. The apparatus of claim 88, further comprising a top portion which has a circumference which is larger than a circumference of the outer cover.
 90. The apparatus of claim 88, wherein the first end of the outer cover is an open end and the second end of the outer cover is a closed end, and the tab of each package is located at the first end of the outer cover. 